Omanghana
Members of the Unemployed Physically Challenged Graduates Association have marched to the Jubilee House in Accra to demand permanent employment within Ghana’s public sector.
The protesters, made up of university graduates and professionally qualified persons with disabilities, expressed frustration over what they described as years of unfulfilled promises and administrative delays.
The demonstration took a dramatic turn when members refused to present their petition to a presidential staffer assigned to receive it on behalf of the Presidency.
Some protesters reportedly chanted “Go away!” as the official approached them. They insisted that the petition should be received directly by the President or a senior cabinet minister with the authority to take immediate action.
According to the association, previous petitions submitted through intermediaries had failed to produce meaningful results or clear feedback. Members therefore maintained that they would no longer hand over their grievances to junior officials.
The graduates said many of them had remained unemployed for several years despite possessing university degrees, professional certificates and skills required by ministries, departments and agencies.
They argued that persistent unemployment had pushed members into severe financial hardship and made it difficult for them to afford accommodation, healthcare, transportation and other essential needs.
The association also raised concerns about what it described as the inadequate enforcement of the Persons with Disability Act, 2006 (Act 715).
The protesters said provisions intended to promote affirmative action, workplace accessibility and equal opportunities for persons with disabilities had not been fully implemented across public and private institutions.
They called on the government to establish a transparent and coordinated recruitment program to place qualified persons with disabilities in suitable positions across the public sector.
The demonstrators further urged the Presidency to issue clear directives to ministries, departments and agencies to identify vacancies and recruit eligible members based on their qualifications and professional experience.
They maintained that their demand was not for charity but for equal access to employment and the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to national development.
The group said it would only submit its petition to a senior government official capable of making binding commitments and initiating immediate steps towards resolving its concerns.
Source: Omanghana
