Accra Businesses Asked to Reserve Jobs for Disabled and Young People
The Mayor of Accra, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, has appealed to corporate institutions and the wider business community to deliberately include Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and young people in their recruitment processes. He says this will help expand job opportunities, improve livelihoods, and strengthen the local economy.
Mr. Allotey made the call during separate working visits to Melcom Group of Companies, Royal Motors, M/S Thakar Overseas Limited, and Sigma Gas Company Limited. The visits were part of efforts to deepen collaboration between the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) and the private sector, with a focus on creating decent and sustainable jobs for residents.
The Mayor urged companies to make inclusion a deliberate policy by reserving employment opportunities for qualified PWDs and young people. He explained that widening access to jobs is critical to addressing unemployment and ensuring that vulnerable groups are not left behind in the city’s development agenda.
“These engagements are part of the Assembly’s broader stakeholder outreach strategy,” Mr. Allotey said. “We want to tackle development challenges through partnerships while promoting job creation and inclusive hiring practices across industries.”
At Melcom, Managing Director Ramesh Sadhwa disclosed that the company currently employs about 6,000 Ghanaians nationwide. He added that Melcom is looking to fill more than 100 vacant positions. However, he noted that the company continues to face challenges in recruiting workers with the specialised skills required for many of the roles.
Mr. Allotey stressed that businesses must go beyond profit and contribute to social development by supporting vulnerable groups. He said deliberate inclusion of PWDs and young people will not only provide opportunities but also strengthen the city’s workforce and build resilience in the economy.
The Mayor’s appeal comes at a time when unemployment among young people remains a major concern in Ghana. Many graduates struggle to find jobs, while persons with disabilities often face discrimination in the labour market. Advocacy groups have long called for stronger policies to ensure equal access to employment.
Education experts and labour analysts say inclusive hiring can help reduce poverty, promote social cohesion, and unlock new talent pools for businesses. They argue that companies that embrace diversity often perform better and enjoy stronger reputations.
Mr. Allotey assured the companies visited that the AMA will continue to work closely with the private sector to promote innovation, skills development, and inclusive employment policies. He said the Assembly is committed to building partnerships that will create long term opportunities for residents, especially those who are often excluded.
The Mayor concluded his visits by encouraging businesses to see inclusion not as charity, but as a smart investment in the city’s future.
