Unemployed graduates with disabilities threaten nationwide protest on March 24 if gov’t fails to act on job crisis

Graduates with disabilities have warned of a nationwide demonstration on March 24 if the government fails to provide a clear roadmap to address their long-standing unemployment challenges, after a one-month ultimatum issued on February 9 expired without a concrete response.

Speaking at a press conference, a member of the coalition of Unemployed graduates with disabilities, Princess Mensah, said many qualified persons with disabilities remain jobless despite years of education and sacrifice.

“Despite our qualifications and readiness to serve, we continue to face systemic barriers that prevent us from accessing meaningful employment.”

Citing the 2021 Population and Housing Census, she added that about 8 per cent of Ghana’s population, roughly 2.1 million people, live with some form of disability, yet unemployment among them remains significantly higher than the national average.

Madam Mensah also referenced the Persons with Disabilities Act 2006 (Act 715), which mandates employment support structures and provides incentives for employers who hire persons with disabilities.

She warned that failure to implement these provisions leaves graduates with disabilities marginalised despite their qualifications.

Meanwhile, the Executive Director of the Ghana Blind Union, Dr. Felix Obeng Asamoah, stressed that persons with disabilities are capable citizens who only need opportunities to contribute meaningfully.

“We are all potential assets, and all we are asking for is an opportunity to prove that we are assets.”

The coalition says it remains committed to peaceful advocacy but insists the March 24 demonstration will proceed if the government fails to present a clear and workable roadmap for their employment.

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