Dr. Clement Apaak, Deputy Minister for Education, has reiterated President John Dramani Mahama’s government’s commitment to promoting the inclusion of people with disabilities (PWDs) in mainstream education.
Dr Apaak, who is also the Builsa South Member of Parliament, posited that in line with implementing the Inclusive Education Policy in Ghana, the ministry is increasing its efforts to improve equitable access to quality inclusive education for learners with disabilities and other special educational needs.
He disclosed that while speaking at the donation of Teaching and Learning Resources to public schools by Chance for Childhood on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at the AMA Conference Hall in Accra.
“This government places a top priority on inclusion, and we aspire to build an inclusive society where everyone is valued and can thrive in a supportive environment.
“In this regard, the Ministry of Education is strongly committed to promoting the inclusion of children with disabilities and other special needs in mainstream education. We firmly believe that all our children and persons with disabilities must have the opportunity to reach their fullest potential in quality educational settings that best meet their needs. The recent announcement by His Excellency President Mahama, regarding the free tertiary education policy for persons with disabilities, attests to the strong commitment we attach to inclusive education”, Dr. Apaak stated.
The Deputy Minister further stated that the Ministry acknowledges that promoting inclusive education requires strong collaboration among key stakeholders.
“For this reason, we commend Chance for Childhood for playing an active role in bridging gaps in the delivery of quality inclusive education in Ghana. Chance for Childhood’s holistic inclusive interventions align with the Ministry’s efforts to promote inclusive education by ensuring that all children, including those with disabilities at all levels of education, have equitable access to quality education, fully participate in classroom activities, and achieve learning outcomes.
“For example, the organization’s major interventions, such as screening and assessment for learners at the Early Childhood Education (ECE) level,l will ensure early detection and intervention for children with disabilities.
“Additionally, training teachers in disability inclusion, especially for pre-primary teachers, will ensure that they are adequately equipped to provide differentiated and individualized learning support to children with disabilities. Furthermore, the sensitization of parents and community members will help reduce stigma and discrimination against children and people with disabilities, enabling parents to effectively assist their children with disabilities”, the deputy minister for education stated.
Dr. Apaak added that the supply of tactile teaching and learning resources, “as we are here to witness today, is another critical intervention to ensure that our mainstream schools remain inclusive, safe, and accommodating spaces for our children with disabilities and special educational needs.”
According to him, these interventions are crucial for early childhood development, especially for children with disabilities, recognizing that formative years are critical in laying a strong foundation for our children’s educational journey.
“These interventions complement research studies that have found that most brain development occurs in the first five years of life, and it is at this stage that children acquire important life skills, such as motor skills, sensory skills, cognitive skills, communication, and social skills”, Dr. Apaak stated.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
