Here is what EduWatch says about Bawumia’s Free tertiary scholarships for PWDs

Africa Education Watch (EduWatch), a prominent educational advocacy group, has responded to Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s recent promise to offer free tertiary scholarships to Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).

Dr. Bawumia, the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party and Vice-President of Ghana, made this pledge during an engagement with the clergy in Sefwi-Wiawso, Western North Region.

This announcement is part of a broader agenda aimed at enhancing the support system for PWDs, which he plans to implement should he be elected in the 2024 presidential election.

In his speech, Dr. Bawumia highlighted that the proposed scholarships would cover both tuition and accommodation for PWDs who gain admission to universities.

He plans to allocate funds from the Scholarship Secretariat and GETFUND specifically for this initiative.

This approach, according to him, is to ensure that higher education becomes entirely accessible to PWDs, helping to level the playing field and fostering an inclusive educational environment.

Moreover, Dr. Bawumia, who also serves as the Patron of Lepers Aid Ghana, emphasized his ongoing commitment to supporting the vulnerable.

His track record includes numerous initiatives aimed at assisting marginalized groups, reinforcing his promise to prioritize broader and more effective support for PWDs under his administration.

While EduWatch commends this initiative as a positive development, the organization points out a significant hurdle that could undermine the effectiveness of such a program: the persistent issue of graduate unemployment among PWDs.

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According to EduWatch’s Executive Director, Kofi Asare, who expressed his concerns via a social media post, many PWDs remain unemployed years after completing their tertiary education.

The main challenges they face include the reluctance of employers to modify workplace facilities to accommodate their needs and concerns over assumed lower productivity.

This situation is exacerbated by the lack of equitable employment practices in both the public and private sectors.

The public sector, expected to lead by example, falls short in implementing inclusive hiring policies, and the private sector, lacking incentives, often does not consider employing PWDs a viable option.

EduWatch argues that while providing free tertiary education to PWDs is a commendable step, it must be complemented by robust employment policies.

The organization stresses the necessity for an effective equitable employment policy that not only facilitates but also ensures the integration of PWDs into the workforce.

Such policies should include incentives for businesses to hire PWDs and invest in necessary workplace adaptations.

Additionally, EduWatch suggests the creation of employment pathways that are specifically designed for PWDs, to help integrate this often-overlooked demographic into various professional fields.

Without these measures, the well-intended educational benefits could fail to translate into economic prosperity for PWDs.

To truly empower PWDs, EduWatch calls for a holistic approach that encompasses education, employment, and social integration.

The organization urges all political parties to consider these factors seriously and to incorporate them into their agendas.

By doing so, they can ensure that the educational initiatives launched for PWDs lead to tangible improvements in their quality of life and allow them to contribute effectively to society.

In conclusion, while Dr. Bawumia’s initiative marks a significant step forward in addressing the educational needs of PWDs, it also casts a spotlight on the broader challenges that need addressing.

This holistic approach will not only uplift individuals with disabilities but will also enrich the societal fabric by making it more inclusive and equitable.

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