The Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, has stated that Government is committed to ensure persons with disabilities, including unemployed graduates are meaningfully included in employment opportunities and national development efforts.
She stated this when a group of unemployed graduates with disabilities, led by Mr. Gilbert Agyare, visited her to discuss employment challenges confronting persons with disabilities in Ghana on Tuesday, in Accra.
She indicated that the engagement forms part of ongoing consultations, noting that the group is the third disability association she has met as part of efforts to address unemployment concerns of persons with disabilities.
The Minister encouraged the group to collaborate with the Ministry and its agencies in providing detailed data that would facilitate targeted employment interventions and sustainable support programmes.
Dr. Naa Momo reassured the delegation that government remains committed to advancing inclusive employment policies, adding that the ministry would work closely with the National Council on Persons with Disabilities and other relevant institutions to strengthen data systems and develop a comprehensive database to support job placement efforts.
She indicated that the ministry would monitor the utilization of the District Assemblies Common Fund allocation for persons with disabilities, particularly in areas of skills development, capacity building, and enterprise support.
She emphasized the importance of coordinated engagement among disability groups to avoid fragmentation and to ensure that interventions are evidence-based and measurable.
Mr. Gilbert Agyare speaking on behalf of the group, highlighted the persistent unemployment situation among graduates with disabilities, describing it as a long-standing national concern.
He called for deliberate recruitment mechanisms, including the dedicated employment clearances and the effective implementation of the 5% employment quota for persons with disabilities within the public sector.
He appealed for structured pathways that would ensure fair opportunities for persons with disabilities, noting that open competition without tailored support often puts them at a disadvantage.
Grace Acheampong, ISD
