The Coalition of Unemployed Graduates with Disabilities has issued a one-week ultimatum to the Ghanaian government. The coalition demands the recruitment of qualified persons with disabilities who applied for recent Ghana Education Service (GES) positions. This action follows claims that none of their 200 verified members were hired, despite a government pledge to reserve at least 5% of public sector jobs for persons with disabilities.
The group, led by Convener Gilbert Boateng Agyare, accuses the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service of failing to uphold this commitment. They argue that with approximately 7,000 teachers recruited, at least 350 positions should have gone to qualified persons with disabilities. This 5% quota aligns with the government's affirmative action policy. The coalition views the current situation as "systemic discrimination and institutional neglect."
This issue highlights a broader challenge in Ghana regarding the employment of persons with disabilities. The Persons with Disability Act, 2006 (Act 715), and Ghana's obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, mandate inclusive employment practices. The government's failure to meet its own targets raises questions about its commitment to these legal and international frameworks. This situation also impacts Ghana's progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals, which advocate for decent work and reduced inequalities.
The coalition specifically criticized Parliament, including both Majority and Minority caucuses and the Speaker's Office, for not acting on their petitions. They recalled President John Dramani Mahama's previous pledge to implement a 5% employment quota for persons with disabilities across the public sector. This pledge was made during the launch of the Free Tertiary Education for Persons with Disabilities policy.
The group calls for the immediate removal of the Minister for Education and the Director-General of the Ghana Education Service. They allege these officials have failed to implement the presidential directive. The coalition also urges the GES to issue appointment letters to qualified applicants with disabilities. They further demand that the Ministry of Finance grant financial clearance for their recruitment into other public institutions.
If a concrete written response is not received within one week, the coalition plans an indefinite, peaceful occupation. Members from all 16 regions will converge in Accra. They will occupy Jubilee House, the Ministry of Finance, and the GES headquarters until their demands are met. This potential protest could disrupt government operations and draw significant public attention to disability rights and employment in Ghana. The government's response will be crucial in addressing these long-standing grievances and upholding its commitments to inclusive development.