A group of unemployed graduates with disabilities in Ghana, represented by the Coalition of Unemployed Graduates with Disabilities, has issued an ultimatum to the government. They are demanding immediate public-sector postings or dedicated financial clearance in the 2027 Budget within 14 days. The coalition's convener, Gilbert Boateng Agyare, stated that if their demands are not met, they will camp at Jubilee House for three days.
The coalition had previously demonstrated in March 2026 and suspended their protest after government officials promised to facilitate their recruitment. However, after those assurances stalled, the group staged a second protest and petitioned the presidency in August, submitting a compiled list of qualified graduates that officials said had been forwarded to President John Dramani Mahama. The graduates claim that every single pledge made to them over the past eight months has proven to be futile.
The graduates with disabilities argue that they have navigated lecture halls without accessible infrastructure and climbed staircases without ramps to earn university degrees and diplomas. They emphasized that they do not want sympathy or charity but demand opportunity, fairness, and justice. The coalition is seeking to have their members included in the promised 5 per cent public-sector employment quota for persons with disabilities.
The Coalition of Unemployed Graduates with Disabilities has appealed to several prominent figures and institutions to intervene on their behalf. These include the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II; the Okyenhene, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin; the Dormaahene, Oseadeeyo Agyeman Badu II; the National House of Chiefs; the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu; the Christian Council of Ghana; the Ghana Catholic Bishops' Conference; the National Peace Council; the Council of State; and former Vice-President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia.
In response to the coalition's ultimatum, Vice-President Prof Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang reaffirmed on November 2 that the government is rolling out a 5 per cent employment quota for persons with disabilities alongside free tertiary education. This was during an earlier consultation at the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, where Sector Minister Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey and National Council on Persons with Disabilities Executive Secretary Edwin Kweku Andoh told Agyare's delegation that the ministry was compiling a unified national database to match unemployed graduates with disabilities to jobs and District Assemblies Common Fund disability disbursements.
The presidency had not responded immediately to the coalition's Sunday ultimatum. However, the government's efforts to address the issues faced by persons with disabilities have been highlighted, including the planned implementation of the 5 per cent employment quota. The coalition remains resolute in their determination to secure employment or financial clearance for their members.
The situation highlights the challenges faced by persons with disabilities in Ghana, particularly in accessing employment opportunities. The Coalition of Unemployed Graduates with Disabilities is seeking concrete actions from the government to address their concerns and provide them with equal opportunities. The outcome of the ultimatum and the government's response will be closely watched.
Key points
- The Coalition of Unemployed Graduates with Disabilities demands immediate public-sector postings or financial clearance within 14 days.
- The government has promised to roll out a 5 per cent employment quota for persons with disabilities alongside free tertiary education.
- The coalition has appealed to prominent figures and institutions to intervene on their behalf.
