The Coalition of Unemployed Graduates with Disabilities has issued a two week ultimatum to the government, demanding the immediate recruitment of its qualified members into public sector institutions or the provision of financial clearance to facilitate their employment under the forthcoming national budget.
The coalition has cautioned that failure by the authorities to satisfy either of its demands within the stipulated period will compel its members to embark on a three day uninterrupted demonstration at Jubilee House, the seat of government.
In a press statement endorsed by its Group Convener, Gilbert Boateng Agyare, the coalition accused the government of reneging on assurances given over the past eight months following several engagements aimed at securing employment opportunities for its members.
The group explained that the latest ultimatum had become necessary after repeated attempts to obtain tangible results failed to produce the expected outcome, despite assurances from government representatives that appropriately qualified graduates living with disabilities would be considered for recruitment into the public workforce.
According to the coalition, the government initially pledged to facilitate the employment of its members following a demonstration organised in March 2026. It said it subsequently called off the protest in good faith, trusting that the assurances received would translate into concrete recruitment arrangements.
However, the coalition maintained that the anticipated employment opportunities never materialised, prompting members to organise another demonstration to demand the fulfilment of the government’s commitments.
The group disclosed that following the subsequent protest, representatives of the government requested a comprehensive register containing the details of qualified graduates for consideration and possible placement within public institutions.
It said the requested documentation was duly submitted, after which members were informed that the list had been forwarded to the President for further consideration. Nevertheless, the coalition expressed frustration that several weeks had passed without any substantive update or demonstrable progress concerning the proposed recruitment.
The statement described the government’s repeated assurances as ineffective, declaring that commitments made throughout the eight month engagement period had failed to produce the desired outcome.
The coalition further alleged that government representatives had primarily engaged its members to persuade them to discontinue their demonstrations, without subsequently implementing the promises made during those discussions.
Declaring that its tolerance had reached its limit, the group insisted that it would no longer accept what it characterised as superficial engagements, public relations exercises or political assurances while qualified graduates with disabilities remained unemployed and financially disadvantaged.
Two week deadline for recruitment or financial clearance
Under its latest demands, the coalition wants the government to complete the recruitment and placement of every qualified graduate included in the register submitted to the authorities within the next two weeks.
As an alternative, it is demanding that the government obtain the necessary financial clearance to accommodate their recruitment in the forthcoming national budget, thereby establishing a definite pathway towards their employment.
The group warned that failure to fulfil either of the two conditions within the deadline would trigger a three day continuous demonstration at Jubilee House.
It further declared that participants would remain at the premises of the Presidency until every qualified graduate captured in the submitted register received an authentic and verifiable employment letter.
The coalition stressed that it would not abandon the protest merely because of emergency meetings or fresh verbal assurances, insisting that only tangible evidence of completed recruitment would persuade its members to end the planned demonstration.
Graduates insist on equal employment opportunities rather than charity
Beyond their immediate employment demands, the graduates used the statement to highlight the difficulties they encountered throughout their academic journeys, arguing that their qualifications and professional capabilities deserved recognition within Ghana’s employment system.
The coalition explained that its members had overcome considerable physical, institutional and environmental barriers to acquire university degrees and diplomas, despite studying in educational facilities that were frequently inaccessible and insufficiently equipped to accommodate persons with disabilities.
It recounted how some members had navigated buildings without appropriate ramps, attended lectures in facilities that did not adequately accommodate their needs and endured learning environments that offered limited institutional support.
According to the group, these experiences demonstrated the determination and resilience of its members, who had refused to allow physical limitations or societal expectations to prevent them from pursuing higher education.
The coalition consequently argued that their academic accomplishments should provide them with a fair opportunity to participate in the country’s labour market, contribute their expertise to national development and earn sustainable incomes.
It was particularly emphatic that its members were not seeking public sympathy, handouts or preferential treatment, but rather equitable access to employment opportunities, dignity, economic independence and the ability to provide for their families.
Coalition seeks intervention from traditional and religious authorities
In addition to its demands on the government, the coalition has appealed to influential traditional rulers, religious institutions, civil society organisations and human rights advocates to intervene in the dispute and help secure a lasting resolution.
Among the traditional authorities specifically mentioned were the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Okyenhene, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin, and the Dormaahene, Oseadeeyo Agyeman Badu II.
The group also called on the leadership of the National House of Chiefs to use its influence to advocate for the employment concerns of qualified graduates with disabilities.
On the religious front, it appealed to the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, the Christian Council of Ghana, the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference and the National Peace Council to support efforts towards securing a resolution.
The coalition further extended its appeal to former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, members of the Council of State, civil society organisations and governance monitoring institutions, urging them to support its campaign irrespective of their political affiliations.
It maintained that the matter should not be interpreted through partisan considerations, arguing instead that the employment of qualified persons with disabilities constituted a fundamental human rights, equal opportunity and social justice concern.
The group concluded by renewing its appeal to the President to intervene personally by directing the release of the necessary employment approvals and ensuring the placement of the graduates whose details had already been submitted.
It warned that unless the government takes concrete action within the two week period, its members would proceed with the planned demonstration at Jubilee House.
Reaffirming the coalition’s determination, Mr Agyare declared on behalf of the group that the period of relying on unfulfilled assurances had ended, urging the government to act immediately or prepare for the protesters’ arrival at the seat of government.
