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A new report by the Trades Union Congress-Ghana (TUC) highlights ongoing challenges faced by workers with disabilities due to poor physical accessibility in workplaces.
The Workers with Disability Needs Assessment Report, launched in Accra on Wednesday, September 17, revealed that many employees with physical, visual and hearing impairments continue to struggle with basic access to facilities such as ramps, elevators and washrooms.
While some public sector workers reported limited support in acquiring assistive devices, many participants highlighted a critical lack of essential tools such as braille displays, screen reading software, wheelchairs and hearing aids—all of which are vital for job performance and independence.
Personal accounts from the report detailed emotional and practical hardships a visually impaired woman shared about how she had to leave work to use the washroom due to its inaccessibility, while a wheelchair user also noted that rain renders parts of her workplace completely inaccessible.
The report further revealed that despite growing awareness and improved societal attitudes toward disability in the country, discrimination remains a major barrier to employment and career advancement for individuals with disabilities.
The report reaffirm the urgent need for inclusive and accessible built environments to uphold the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities in Ghana.
It called for a holistic approach that includes assistive technologies, transportation support, and workplace adjustments to accommodate diverse needs.
It also underscored that true inclusion means not just providing access to buildings, but also empowering employees through flexibility, appropriate accommodations and a workplace culture that welcomes all.
Presenting the highlight and key findings of the report a the launch last Wednesday, a Consultant and Researcher at the Teachers and Educational Workers' Union (TEWU), Nurudeen Sulemana emphasized that persons with disabilities (PWDs) make up a significant portion of Ghana’s population — about 8.6 per cent, or 2.1 million people and are therefore a vital part of the labour force.
He said the research identified several critical barriers to workplace inclusion for PWDs, particularly the lack of accommodation facilities, such as assistive technologies, transportation support, and on-site aids or interpreters.
Mr Sulemana highlighted Ghana’s non-disability-friendly transport system, which makes it difficult and expensive for many disabled workers to commute.
"In Ghana, our transportation system is not disability friendly. Our buses and does not make provision for persons with disability, especially with the that we have, which is more, accessible for a larger majority of the population in the country. So this makes it very difficult for workers with disability to come to work on time."
"So I think it's, important that, TUC had done this research and these findings are very critical for, policy influence and also improving, workplace inclusivity," he said.
In an interview with Daily Graphic, the Secretary General of TUC, Joshua Ansah expressed deep satisfaction at the launch of the Disability Needs Assessment Report, calling it a major milestone in the TUC’s ongoing efforts to promote inclusivity for workers with disabilities.
He recounted how the initiative began after identifying significant gaps in both national laws and workplace support systems for persons with disabilities.
He said a turning point came when a disability rights leader raised concerns about the lack of support for personal assistants aiding disabled workers. After persistent negotiations, the TUC successfully advocated for transport and other allowances for these assistants — a breakthrough that inspired broader action.
He mentioned that with support from partners like ILO Norway, the TUC engaged in inclusive workshops, interviews and dialogues involving persons with disabilities and employers - the resulting report reflects the real voices, challenges, and needs of the disability community.
"Their rights should be recognized. Their needs should be met by the government. When we have meetings with them, we realize so many things that fall short in the policies of the country," he said.
Head of the Gender and Child Protection Department at the Trades Union Congress (TUC), Harriet Botchway highlighted that persons with disabilities (PWDs) continue to face major barriers in accessing fair employment and exercising their rights in Ghana.
She said the TUC has long expressed concern over the situation of workers with disabilities and has taken concrete steps to address it.
She said a major milestone was reached in early 2023, when the Ghana Federation of Disability Organisations (GFD) was inaugurated as an associate member of the TUC—demonstrating its strong commitment to inclusion.
"Although some progress has been made in the country towards promoting their rights, challenges still exist. Over the years, TUC has expressed deep concern over the situation of workers with disabilities and has taken amny steps to address the situation.
In attendance were State Attorney, Dr Albert Frimpong, representative from Ghana Employers Association, Mr Joseph Amoah, Head of Social Protection at TUC, Benedicta Hanson, Researcher at TUC, Dr Edmund Adinkra_Darko, Public Relations Officer, TUC, Naa Ayele S. Ardefio and GBSF Director, Yaw Ofori Debrah
