A coalition of unemployed graduates with disabilities has issued a strong warning to the government, threatening to embark on a nationwide demonstration on March 24 if urgent steps are not taken to address their persistent unemployment challenges.
The group says its decision follows the expiration of a one-month ultimatum issued on February 9, which called on authorities to present a clear and actionable roadmap for improving employment opportunities for persons with disabilities. According to the coalition, the deadline has passed without any concrete response, deepening frustration among its members.
Addressing a press conference, a leading member of the coalition, Princess Mensah, lamented that many highly qualified graduates with disabilities continue to remain jobless despite years of academic effort and personal sacrifice. She stressed that the situation reflects systemic barriers that hinder equal access to employment opportunities.
“Despite our qualifications and readiness to serve, we continue to face structural challenges that prevent us from securing meaningful employment,” she stated, adding that the lack of inclusion in the job market continues to marginalise persons with disabilities.
She further cited findings from the 2021 Population and Housing Census, which indicate that approximately 8 per cent of Ghana’s population—estimated at about 2.1 million people—live with some form of disability. However, she noted that unemployment rates within this group remain significantly higher than the national average, raising concerns about inequality and social exclusion.
Princess Mensah also referenced the Persons with Disabilities Act, 2006 (Act 715), which provides for employment support mechanisms and offers incentives to employers who hire persons with disabilities. She expressed concern that the inadequate enforcement of the Act has left many qualified individuals without opportunities, despite the legal framework designed to protect their rights.
Meanwhile, the Executive Director of the Ghana Blind Union, Dr. Felix Obeng Asamoah, underscored the capabilities of persons with disabilities, urging policymakers and employers to shift their perceptions and create inclusive opportunities.
“We are all potential assets, and all we are asking for is an opportunity to prove that we are assets,” he said, emphasizing that with the right support and access, persons with disabilities can contribute significantly to national development.
The coalition maintains that while it remains committed to peaceful and lawful advocacy, it will not hesitate to proceed with the planned demonstration if authorities fail to respond with a credible and workable employment strategy.
The planned protest, if carried out, is expected to draw attention to longstanding concerns over unemployment among persons with disabilities and intensify calls for the full implementation of policies aimed at promoting inclusivity, equal opportunity, and social justice in Ghana’s labour market.
