The Ghana Federation of Disability Organisations (GFD) has distanced itself from a statement issued by the Coalition of Unemployed Graduates with Disabilities over the ongoing Ghana Education Service (GES) recruitment exercise.
The Coalition had called for the removal of public officials and the occupation of state institutions, but the GFD rejected these demands and proposed actions. "Let us be clear: GFD stands firmly with unemployed graduates with disabilities. Their frustration is legitimate," the Federation stated in a statement.
GFD Reaffirms Support for Unemployed Graduates with Disabilities
The GFD expressed its solidarity with unemployed graduates with disabilities, describing their frustration as legitimate. "Unemployment among persons with disabilities remains a serious national problem, and qualified graduates who continue to be locked out of opportunities have every right to demand answers," the Federation stated.
The Federation also welcomed President John Dramani Mahama's announcement of a five per cent employment quota for persons with disabilities in the public sector. However, it stressed that the commitment must be translated into action. "An announcement is not implementation. We will continue to push the Ministry responsible for Jobs, Labour and Employment to finalise and enforce the quota guidelines," the GFD stated.
Meeting with Ministry Scheduled for August 4
The GFD has been engaging the Ministry of Education and other relevant institutions since concerns over the recruitment exercise emerged. According to the Federation, it is scheduled to meet officials of the Ministry on Tuesday, August 4, to seek clarity on the recruitment process and press for the inclusion of qualified persons with disabilities.
The Federation referenced remarks by Deputy Minister for Education and Chairperson of Parliament's Disability Caucus, Dr Clement Apaak, who reportedly assured the disability community on August 2 that the recruitment process was still ongoing and that qualified persons with disabilities would be considered. "GFD notes this statement. We will not simply take it at face value; we will hold the Ministry to it, verify outcomes, and press for corrective action if graduates with disabilities are once again overlooked," it said.
Calls for Unity and Coordinated Advocacy
The GFD urged unemployed graduates and disability groups to pursue coordinated, evidence-based advocacy rather than confrontational action. "Your fight is our fight. GFD strongly stands by you, and we will not relent until every qualified graduate with a disability gets the employment opportunities they are entitled to," the Federation stated.
The GFD reaffirmed its commitment to engaging the Ministry of Education, the Ghana Education Service, the Public Services Commission, Parliament and other stakeholders to ensure transparent, accessible and disability-inclusive recruitment processes in line with the Constitution, the Persons with Disabilities Act, 2006 (Act 715), and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
What's Next for Unemployed Graduates with Disabilities?
The GFD's statement has sparked a call to action among unemployed graduates with disabilities and disability groups. As the Federation meets with the Ministry on August 4, the disability community will be watching closely to see if the recruitment process will be made more inclusive. The GFD's commitment to evidence-based advocacy and sustained pressure on duty bearers will be crucial in securing lasting reforms for persons with disabilities in Ghana.
Source: Joy Online
