By Josephine Kekeli Amuzu and Clara Sanusi
Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) face unique challenges in life, often requiring extra support to access opportunities. As part of efforts to promote inclusivity, Ghana’s President, John Dramani Mahama, has pledged to provide free tertiary education for PWDs.
To understand the perspectives of those directly affected by this policy, we spoke to a few PWD students at the University of Education, Winneba (UEW).
Josephine Serwaa Akoto, a Level 300 student at UEW, expressed her excitement about the policy. “I was happy when I heard it because paying school fees is not easy for our parents. So, when the president said he would pay for us, I was very happy,” she said.
Abassa Jemila, a visually impaired Level 100 student, also shared her joy upon hearing about the initiative.
“I was very happy and as a needy student, I was always thinking of how to go to school with this hardship- how am going to pay my school fees. But when I heard there was a policy coming after the election that they would be paying our school fees, I was very happy to go to school. I was praying that God would let the person who is going to make that policy come true to win the election so we will benefit from it. Insha’Allah, we pray that this policy will be implemented. We can’t wait to see this policy,” she stated.
Both students emphasized that the policy would not only benefit them but many others in similar situations. Jemila highlighted how many PWDs struggle financially, with some unable to attend Senior High School, let alone university. She hopes the policy will be fully implemented to support those who need it most.
The President of the Association of Persons with Disabilities at UEW, Prince Adu Gyamfi, echoed these sentiments. “Many of my colleagues find it difficult to continue to tertiary education because of financial constraints. This initiative will help reduce street begging, as many PWDs resort to it after SHS due to a lack of opportunities. If the policy is implemented, more students will be encouraged to pursue higher education,” he said.
Chengellu Wisdom, the association’s financial secretary, was equally excited about the policy. “When I heard it, I was like, ‘Wow!’ It was great news. I struggled a lot to be here, so knowing that future students won’t have to go through the same financial burden is overwhelming. I just pray and hope it becomes a reality,” he shared.
Despite their excitement, the students pointed out that free tertiary education alone is not enough to address all their challenges. Chengellu Wisdom highlighted the difficulties PWDs face even before gaining admission. “Getting the application forms is a challenge. Many people don’t regard us as part of society, so finding someone to assist with the bank process to purchase the forms is difficult. “After buying the form, the procedure you pass through, at times you may need your admission letter to apply for some sponsorship, and you may be delayed even though you got the admission alright, you will have traced the letter and getting someone to help get the letter is a big challenge,” he explained.
The students also called on the government to provide additional support beyond tuition coverage. The association’s president emphasized the need for assistive devices, such as laptops, computers, and other learning technologies.
Jemila added, “We need more than just free tuition. The government should help us with essential learning materials like laptops and books to make studying easier.”
The students are also calling on the president to ensure that Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) are given automatic job opportunities after completing their tertiary education. They expressed deep concern about employment discrimination, emphasizing that many employers do not regard them as capable workers.
One student shared an example of a visually impaired colleague who was posted to a secondary school to teach. However, upon arrival, he was told there was no vacancy, even though investigations later revealed that there was. “It’s not about our disability. Just give us a chance to prove whether we can do the job or not,” Jemila stated.
They pleaded with the government to guarantee employment for PWD graduates who have successfully completed their studies. “If we have worked hard, passed our exams, and earned our qualifications, the government should ensure we are employed immediately after school. This will help stop the continuous discrimination we face in the job market,” they said.
The students also expressed their gratitude to the government for introducing the free tertiary education policy and urged its full implementation so they can benefit from it.
The association’s president remains hopeful. “I strongly believe that since the government has made this promise, they will fulfill it. Funds have already been allocated for the policy, and we trust it will be implemented.”
He also emphasized the importance of changing societal attitudes toward PWDs. “When you look at countries in Europe and Asia, they have a positive mindset toward PWDs. Because of this, their nations flourish. If our government takes good care of us and ensures we are given equal opportunities, it will not only improve our lives but also benefit the entire country. It will also help reduce the rate of begging on our streets.”
While the students remain hopeful that the policy will be fully implemented, they urge the government to consider a holistic approach to support PWDs in their educational journey.
