Accra Mayor Pushes Firms to Hire Youth and Disabled Workers

When Accra Mayor Michael Kpakpo Allotey walked into some of Ghana's biggest companies last week, he brought a simple but powerful message: qualified workers with disabilities and young job seekers deserve a fair shot at employment.

The mayor visited Melcom Group, Royal Motors, Thakar Overseas Limited, and Sigma Gas Company to discuss how the private sector can help expand job access in the capital. His pitch was straightforward: set aside positions specifically for persons with disabilities and youth who have the skills but often get overlooked.

The timing couldn't be better. Melcom's Managing Director Ramesh Sadhwa revealed the retail giant currently employs 6,000 Ghanaians nationwide and needs to fill more than 100 vacant positions. However, the company is struggling to find workers with the right skills for many of these roles.

This skills gap is exactly what the Accra Metropolitan Assembly wants to help bridge through partnerships. The mayor explained these visits are part of a broader strategy to tackle development challenges by bringing government and business together around shared goals like job creation and fair hiring.

The Ripple Effect

When businesses adopt inclusive hiring practices, the benefits extend far beyond individual paychecks. Young people gain career pathways that keep them engaged and productive. Workers with disabilities prove their capabilities in roles where they've been historically excluded. Families achieve financial stability. Local economies grow stronger as more residents earn and spend.

The mayor emphasized that broadening employment access isn't just about doing good; it's essential for improving livelihoods across Accra and strengthening the city's economic foundation. By intentionally creating opportunities for qualified candidates from underrepresented groups, companies tap into talent pools they may have previously overlooked.

The collaboration between the Assembly and these major employers shows how government can use its convening power to drive meaningful change. Rather than mandates, the approach focuses on building relationships and aligning business needs with social goals.

With thousands of jobs at stake and companies expressing willingness to engage, Accra's push for inclusive hiring could become a model for other cities facing similar employment challenges.