Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has pledged a significant enhancement to Ghana’s education sector, promising to prioritize recruiting and training at least 1,000 additional special education teachers.
This initiative aims to alleviate the challenges parents and guardians face while improving education access for students with special needs.
Speaking on August 2, 2024, at the commissioning of new ICT labs at the Akropong School for the Blind and the Wa Methodist School for the Blind, Dr. Bawumia underscored the importance of addressing the educational needs of individuals with disabilities.
He emphasized that this effort is a national duty and vital for meeting Ghana’s international commitments.
Dr Bawumia outlined his plan to recruit and train special education teachers specializing in language and speech therapy and occupational and behavioural therapy.
In addition, he announced the distribution of 104 particular laptops to special needs teachers. Samuel Awuku, the NPP Parliamentary Candidate for Akuapem North, also presented 600 white canes to the Akropong School for the Blind and the Mampong School for the Deaf.
In his address, Dr Bawumia highlighted the role of the newly inaugurated ICT labs, describing them as crucial tools for providing students with visual impairments the opportunity to engage confidently with digital technology.
He reiterated his commitment to ensuring that the educational needs of disabled and disadvantaged individuals receive the highest level of personal and governmental attention.
“Our goal is to integrate special needs education issues into our development agenda and strive towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal Four, which focuses on inclusive and equitable quality education,” Dr. Bawumia said.
“The ICT labs are not just about technology; they represent a gateway to new possibilities and a beacon of hope for these students.”
Dr. Bawumia’s initiative is expected to significantly enhance the support and resources available for special education in Ghana, moving the nation closer to achieving comprehensive and inclusive educational opportunities for all children, regardless of their abilities.
In response to Dr Bawumia’s efforts, Mr Samuel Awuku called on the Ministry of Education, the Ghana Education Service, and other relevant organizations to continue supporting special needs schools, recognizing the unique abilities of these students and their potential contributions to national development.
