Minority caucus demands strict enforcement of disability employment quota

The Minority caucus in Parliament is pressing for stringent implementation of the employment quota for individuals with disabilities in public-sector hiring. This demand arose from a petition submitted to Parliament on September 2, 2023, by the Coalition of Unemployed Graduates with Disabilities. The petition, presented on behalf of the Minority Caucus by the Deputy Minority Leader and Asokwa MP, Patricia Appiagyei, and the Coalition’s Convener, Gilbert Boateng Agyare, outlines three key requests.

These include the immediate employment of qualified unemployed disabled graduates from the Coalition’s verified list, the strict enforcement of the disability employment quota in public sector jobs, and incentives for private-sector employers who hire qualified individuals with disabilities.

The Minority Caucus asserts that the Coalition’s grievances are both valid and legally sound. Article 29 of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution guarantees protection against exploitation and discrimination for disabled persons and mandates Parliament to enact laws to uphold these rights. The Caucus points out that Parliament responded to this constitutional obligation through the Persons with Disability Act, 2006 (Act 715), which obliges the State to assist persons with disabilities into employment through public employment centers.

The law also provides tax rebates and special incentives to employers, both private and public, who hire individuals with disabilities. Additionally, Article 17 of the Constitution allows Parliament to implement affirmative measures to address social and economic disparities. The Caucus believes this provision supports the Coalition’s push for stronger measures to enhance employment opportunities for persons with disabilities.

The Minority Caucus pledges its continued dedication to advocating for policies that translate these constitutional and statutory guarantees into real action. It aims to bridge the gap between law and reality, ensuring that persons with disabilities can contribute fully to national development. The Caucus commends the Coalition for utilizing parliamentary channels to voice its concerns and assures the group that its petition will receive the necessary attention.

The Caucus emphasizes that its stance seeks to foster a Ghana where one’s ability, competence, and determination, rather than disability, determine access to opportunities.