The Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations in collaboration with the National Council on Persons with Disability (NCPD), the Ghana Federation of Disability Organization (GFD), supported by PERD Project with funding from the Dutch Embassy in Ghana held a one day stakeholders validation workshop on the draft Employment Equity Policy (EEP) to promote equal opportunity and fair treatment in employment for vulnerable groups on Friday, 31st May, 2024 at the Sunlodge Hotel, Accra.  

In attendance were the Director of Policy, Planning Monitoring and Evaluation (PPME) of the MELR, Executive Secretary of the National Council on Persons with Disability, women disability groups and civil society organization among others. In her address to participants the Director,  (PPME), Madam Gloria Bortele Noi, stated that the Employment Equity Policy was aimed to promote equal opportunity and fair treatment in employment through the elimination of discrimination and implementation of affirmative action measures to address employment challenges faced by vulnerable groups. 

According to Madam Noi, the EPP for persons with disability was anchored in existing legal framework that reflects Ghana’s commitment to promoting the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities.  

She further explained that these measures was designed to tackle the employment challenges faced by vulnerable groups and to ensure their equitable representation across all occupational categories and levels. 

She underscored that discrimination at the workplace not only hinders individual potential but also stifles economic growth and societal progress adding that it is imperative we create an environment where everyone, regardless of their gender, disability, age, ethnicity, or socio-economic background is given equal opportunity to explore their potential.  

She highlighted the Ministry’s role in facilitating the necessary training, provide resources, and support the enforcement of employment standards that protect vulnerable groups 

On her part, the Executive Secretary for the National Council on Persons with Disability, Madam Esther Akua Gyamfi Esq. in a speech read on her behalf by Reverend John Mefful, she commended the Ministry and its partners for their unrelenting commitment towards the adoption of the EPP.  

She added that the council is exploring funding opportunities to bolster the Situational Analysis which is a critical component in advancing the adoption of the policy.