How can we create a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace in society without the voice of disability? Lessons from Ghana

Abstract

In Africa, the work experiences of disabled people can help employers and the government build more inclusive workplaces. Nonetheless, research exploring disabled people's work experiences at various employment stages is limited, particularly in Africa. The study applies ethnographic research methods to examine the work experience of those with visual, speech, hearing, mobility and psychological disabilities in Ghana. Data were coded and analysed using content and descriptive methods. The findings suggest that disabled people face several barriers, including inadequate accommodation, negative stereotyping, stigmatization, discrimination and poor performance evaluation at work. This paper argues that transformational leadership is a prerequisite for African governments and private sector employers seeking to improve the workplace environment and build an inclusive culture within these spaces.

Mainstreaming disability inclusive employment in international development

“…The seven papers included here address dilemmas within the disability inclusive employment arena from various angles and in diverse cultural and socio‐political contexts. Some have a multi‐country focus (e.g., Bialik & Mhiri, 2022; Morris et al, 2022; Shaw et al, 2022) while others discuss individual countries and situations (Ebuenyi et al, 2022: Kenya; Nkansah‐Dwamena, 2022: Ghana; Remnant et al, 2022: Malawi; Yusupov & Abdukhalilov, 2022: Uzbekistan).…”

“…We have left these as written, to illustrate that the concept of disability is still in flux in relation to the way it is understood in different contexts and within different disciplinary backgrounds. Some of the papers provide overviews of these definitions, the models they are informed by and why these are relevant to particular contexts or arguments (e.g., Nkansah‐Dwamena, 2022).…”

“…Some papers have a specific gender or impairment focus, and this is important, as we know that rates of unemployment are much higher everywhere for women with disabilities than for men, and also that some impairment groups are particularly excluded from the jobs market. All the papers except Bialik and Mhiri (2022) and Nkansah‐Dwamena (2022) address the inclusive employment agenda for a range of people with varied impairment types. The former authors focus on people with intellectual disabilities specifically, and we were glad to include this paper with its very participatory and inclusive approach, as this group is usually excluded from research and disability debates.…”

“…The former authors focus on people with intellectual disabilities specifically, and we were glad to include this paper with its very participatory and inclusive approach, as this group is usually excluded from research and disability debates. Nkansah‐Dwamena (2022) addresses the concerns of women with mental health impairments.…”

“…Looking beyond disabled people themselves, training and practical advice on disability awareness, fundamental attitude change towards a culture of acceptance of difference and understanding rights arguments is crucial for community actors and employers, who have often had little exposure to these ideas (Nkansah‐Dwamena, 2022). The UNCRPD (article 27) is widely cited in the papers, but some problematise the way it is actually enacted, as often limited by common assumptions made by duty bearers such as employers about what is possible.…”