The Director of the Centre for Employment of Persons with Disabilities (CEPD), Mr. Alex Tetteh, has called on the government to prioritize equipping persons with disabilities with digital skills to enhance their financial independence.
Lamenting the limitations of relying solely on charitable donations, Mr Tetteh stated that “We have people donating money and food items to us. How long can this take us? We want to be givers, not just receivers. We need the tools to build our own financial security.”
The CEPD Director noted the potential of sustainable skills development, particularly in coding and the tech industry, as a means to empowering persons with disabilities and integrating them into Ghana’s growing digital economy.
“We want to have the financial strength to be able to afford these things… And we can only afford it when we are working,” he stated. Mr. Tetteh pointed out that while the coding sector offers immense opportunities for economic growth and innovation, targeted initiatives are necessary to ensure persons with disabilities are not left behind.
The urgency of this call stems from Ghana’s rising unemployment crisis, with rates at nearly 15% and youth unemployment surging to 30%. Mr. Tetteh emphasized that over 1,500 unemployed persons with disabilities are registered with CEPD, many of whom possess valuable skills but lack access to job opportunities. He argued, “We cannot afford to overlook a segment of our population that is eager and capable of contributing to our economy.”
Mr. Tetteh’s appeal aligns with promises made by President John Mahama during his campaign in July 2024, where the NDC pledged to train one million youth in digital skills, including coding, WebApp development, and software engineering. As outlined in the party’s 2024 manifesto, this initiative includes equity-focused programs designed to empower youth, women, and persons with disabilities.
Globally, several countries, including Austria, France, and Germany, have implemented quota systems to integrate persons with disabilities into the workforce. In Ghana, the Persons with Disability Act 2006 includes provisions such as tax rebates for employers hiring disabled persons. However, Mr. Tetteh called for more effective policies, such as quotas in coding training programs, to ensure disabled persons are given tangible opportunities in the tech industry.
Mr. Tetteh also pointed to systemic barriers such as stigma, inaccessible infrastructure, and unequal access to education, which continue to hinder persons with disabilities. With many relying on self-employment in the informal sector, he urged the government to take decisive action to address these challenges. “This is not just about charity; it’s about recognizing the economic potential of persons with disabilities and providing them with equal access to employment,” he emphasized.
His advocacy comes at a critical time as Ghana seeks to diversify its economy and tap into the global tech revolution. By including persons with disabilities in the digital workforce, the country can promote inclusivity while harnessing untapped talent for national development.
