Report by Nana POKU
The Unemployed Society for People with Disabilities have given notice to the government of their intention to take to the streets on the 24th of March, 2026, to register their anger and frustration at their current state of unemployment.
Addressing the media at a Press Conference, the President of the Federation of Disabled Unemployed Persons Dr Peter Obeng indicated that about 300,000 of his people have all the necessary qualifications but have no jobs and it’s tormenting them.
He cited the UN Convention ratified by Ghana, which gives 5% quota job placement to PWDs in Ghana and stated that no government has implemented it.
The group pointed out that they have had several meetings and engagements with the ministries and agencies responsible for employment but to no avail.
Against this backdrop, they are giving the government up to 26th of this month to do something, or they will hit the streets because they are fed up.
“We have already issued a press release and put our case across and nothing has come out of it but after today we will hit the streets to register our dissatisfaction and disagreement over our marginalization and neglect by successive governments,” he said.
The group intimated that they, like any other Ghanaian, have the necessary qualifications and expertise and can do any work in their respective areas.
They argued that their deformities cannot hamper or obstruct them in any way, and so they must be given the chance to prove their capabilities.
They kicked against the tendency of stigma and sidelining by some duty bearers and captains of industry.
They indicated their willingness to appeal to the UNDP and the president to step in to address the issue as they also form part of the Ghanaian society who are willing to contribute their part for national development.
“We are not begging for alms, charity, favours or sympathy but for a right as qualified and competent and educated people who can work anywhere.
“Some of us have our PhDs, Masters and other tertiary certificates. So, we are in a position to perform anywhere irrespective of our various degrees of deformities.
“We are hungry and suffering from help from our friends.
“Our parents are fed up with us for living without employment after spending so much on us,” he said.
