‘No disrespect to Dr Ayeh but we demand engagement with senior government official’ – Graduates with disabilities

The Coalition of Unemployed Graduates with Disabilities is advocating for direct communication with a high-ranking government official to tackle the employment issues faced by graduates with disabilities. The group staged a protest at the Jubilee House on August 19, 2023, to push for increased access to job opportunities within the public sector.

This action follows what the Coalition perceives as the government's inadequate implementation of legal requirements mandating the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in public-sector employment. Gilbert Boateng, the Coalition's convener, spoke to the media after presenting a petition to the government, stating that they needed to engage with individuals who could make substantial decisions.

"We want to meet someone who is within the top hierarchy of government. No disrespect to Dr Ayeh," Boateng stated. Dr. Samuel Ayeh was designated to receive the petition on behalf of the government, but Boateng emphasized that the Coalition aimed to discuss their concerns with a higher-ranking official. Boateng clarified that they respected Dr. Ayeh's role and did not hold him personally responsible.

"We understand the financial and initial duties of Dr Ayeh. He did not come here on his own accord. He came because he was delegated to come here," Boateng explained. One of the Coalition's primary demands is financial approval to allow for the hiring of graduates with disabilities. Boateng argued that dedicated employment opportunities would ensure these individuals are not overlooked during recruitment processes.

The Convener noted that the Coalition had previously met with government representatives, expecting their concerns to be addressed, but later discovered that some issues were beyond the authority of those officials. He recounted an earlier meeting, saying that the Coalition had initially believed their issues would be resolved. "When we came here for the first time, we thought that our issues were going to be resolved by the government.

But we realized at the end of the day that the issues were above, so couldn't do anything," Boateng said. Boateng indicated that this experience has solidified the Coalition's decision to engage directly with senior government officials. The Coalition's immediate goal is to meet either the Chief of Staff or the Vice President to present their demands and seek tangible action.

"On this day as we are here, our mission is to meet either the Chief of Staff to speak to us or the Vice President," Boateng declared. The Coalition is urging the government to address the unemployment crisis among graduates with disabilities, specifically highlighting their demand for financial approval and dedicated job opportunities.

The group believes that direct engagement with top government officials is essential to ensure their concerns receive the necessary attention and action.