The Centre for Employment of Persons with Disabilities (CEPD) has voiced its strong support for a directive revoking all appointments and recruitments made into the public service establishments of Ghana, after December 7th, 2024.
The directive, issued by Chief of Staff Julius Debrah, mandates all heads of government institutions to annul these appointments.
The CEPD lauded the move, saying it aligns with principles of good governance and fairness, ensuring employment opportunities are based on merit and inclusivity rather than political maneuvering.
According to the CEPD, the previous administration’s last-minute appointments failed to adequately consider vulnerable groups, particularly Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), further marginalizing them in the already competitive job market.
“It is evident that the previous administration, in its rush to make last-minute appointments, did not provide adequate opportunities for vulnerable groups, including Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), to be fairly considered for employment in the public service,” stated Alexander Kojo Tetteh, President of CEPD, in the press release.
The CEPD’s support comes as government institutions are expected to submit a comprehensive report on actions taken regarding the revoked appointments to the Office of the Chief of Staff by February 17, 2025.
Sources within government circles have indicated that the directive underscores the government’s commitment to uphold good governance practices and ensure that all appointments and recruitments are made in accordance with established principles.
In light of the revocation, the CEPD is urging the current administration to adopt proactive measures to ensure future public service recruitments are transparent and equitable. Specifically, the organisation is calling for:
• Establishment of a Quota System for PWDs: A dedicated percentage of public sector jobs should be reserved for qualified Persons with Disabilities, ensuring their representation in national development.
• Implementation of Inclusive Recruitment Policies: Recruitment processes must guarantee that PWDs have equal access to employment opportunities, in line with Ghana’s legal commitments under the Persons with Disabilities Act, 2006 (Act 715) and international conventions.
• Engagement of Stakeholders in Policy Formulation: The CEPD offered its readiness to collaborate with the government, civil society, and relevant institutions to develop policies that promote sustainable employment for PWDs in both the public and private sectors.
The organisation emphasised its commitment to advocating for the rights and economic empowerment of Persons with Disabilities and commended the government for taking steps to rectify past injustices.
“We look forward to working together to ensure that future employment practices are inclusive, fair, and beneficial to all Ghanaians, particularly the most vulnerable,” Tetteh concluded.
SOURCE: DisabilityNewsGH.com
