The Coalition of Unemployed Graduates with Disabilities has vehemently rejected the Presidential Staffer, Dr. Samuel Ayeh, as the designated recipient of their petition, asserting he lacks the requisite authority to handle the document effectively. This decision, made on Wednesday, August 19th, follows a protracted dispute over the petition’s delivery, which the group contends was improperly delegated to a senior government official. The Coalition’s defense stems from a previous assertion that Dr. Ayeh was not the appropriate individual to receive the document, a claim they now insist is unfounded.
According to the Coalition’s statement, it sought a senior government official with the power to decisively address the concerns outlined in the petition. Dr. Ayeh, however, stated he was acting on behalf of the President. He emphasized that he is a senior member of government at the Office of the President, serving as a stand-in for the President, and that he respectfully disagrees with the group’s request to engage individuals higher in the government hierarchy, including the Chief of Staff, the Vice President, or the President himself. He stressed that the Coalition’s immediate objective is to secure a meeting with an official capable of making decisions on the matter, rather than a figure like Dr. Ayeh.
The Coalition’s initial submission to government petitions in the past has been met with limited action, the Coalition argues, highlighting a lack of responsiveness to concerns raised. They contend that the initial request for a direct engagement with Dr. Ayeh was met with a denial, a situation they now view as a deliberate obstruction of their mission. The Coalition’s immediate action is to meet with the Chief of Staff, the Vice President, or the President, demonstrating a commitment to addressing the core issues presented in the petition.
Mr. Agyare, the Convener of the Coalition, explained that the group’s immediate objective is to ensure that its concerns are presented directly to an official capable of making decisions on the matter. “We are seeking to meet with the Chief of Staff, the Vice President, or the President to ensure these concerns are addressed,” he stated. He further indicated that the Coalition’s immediate action is to meet with the highest levels of government, demonstrating a commitment to fulfilling the petition’s core demand for direct engagement.
The Coalition of Unemployed Graduates with Disabilities initially planned to picket at Jubilee House, but their immediate presence was denied access, resulting in their relocation to Christ the King Church. The group has since renewed its call to the government to implement the five per cent employment quota for persons with disabilities, accusing the government of failing to fulfill its commitments despite repeated assurances. The group cited recent Ghana Education Service (GES) recruitment exercise as evidence, claiming that 200 qualified graduates with disabilities were submitted for consideration, yet none were recruited. The Coalition has subsequently renewed its call for concrete action to address unemployment and ensure the implementation of the five per cent employment quota.
Presidential aide responded to the Coalition’s rejection, stating that Dr. Ayeh respects the group’s decision, acknowledging his role as a senior member of government representing the President. The aide emphasized that Dr. Ayeh stands in place of the President, and that the group’s request to engage higher-level officials is not being considered. The Coalition’s call for action remains to be heard, with the group reiterating their determination to ensure that its concerns are addressed directly with a suitable official.
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Source: Adom Online
