Scores of unemployed, qualified persons with disabilities have taken to the streets of Accra in what they describe as a peaceful demonstration, demanding equal job opportunities and the strict enforcement of inclusive labour policies.
The group began its march from the Accra Rehabilitation Centre in Adabraka on March 24, calling on the government and employers to prioritise inclusivity and fairness in recruitment processes.
Holding placards with inscriptions such as “We need jobs; enough is enough,” “Break the barriers, not our spirit,” and “We can work, we are capable,” the protesters pressed for urgent and decisive action to address their concerns.
Speaking to JoyNews, the protesters expressed deep frustration over the limited employment opportunities available to persons with disabilities, despite their academic qualifications and readiness to contribute meaningfully to national development.
One visually impaired, unemployed graduate spoke about the personal toll of prolonged joblessness. “Unemployment has really been a big problem amongst persons with disabilities, especially because personally it’s very difficult to depend on the people that have taken care of you from childhood at this big age of mine,” she lamented.
Another protester highlighted the emotional strain associated with continued unemployment. “It’s very difficult for me. I’ve not been myself; I’ve been looking for employment, and it has become a problem,” she said.
A third participant underscored the loss of independence many in similar circumstances face. “You have to depend on your guardian for every single thing you want, and I don’t like it that way. So I wish the government would come to our aid and grant us employment so that we can work,” she added.
The demonstrators are urging the authorities to implement concrete and sustainable measures to address the situation, insisting that qualified individuals with disabilities must be afforded equal opportunities to work and contribute to the country’s socio-economic development.
