Sign Language to become a compulsory subject in basic school in five years – SPED

Ms Gloria Ntim, a representative from the Special Education Division of the Ghana Education Service, has revealed that Sign Language may become a mandatory topic in basic schools within the next five years. According to Ms Ntim, the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCA) has granted approval for Sign Language to be piloted in certain special schools, which could then be expanded nationwide.

This announcement was made at a gathering organized by the Ghana National Association of the Deaf (GNAD) to commemorate the International Day of Sign Languages, which is observed annually on September 23. The GNAD also utilized the occasion to engage with various stakeholders in advocating for the swift passage of the Persons with Disabilities Bill, 2026.

Ms Jennifer Asuako, a Gender and Human Rights Analyst at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), stressed that Sign Language is more than just a mode of communication; it is a fundamental right. She urged for the rapid enactment of the Persons with Disabilities Bill to enable individuals with disabilities to exercise their rights, emphasizing that "empowerment should be at the heart of disability inclusion."

Mr Alexander Bankole Williams, a disability rights advocate, praised GNAD for organizing the forum but criticized the government for its slow progress in enacting the Persons with Disabilities Bill, which has been stalled for years. He pointed out that the NDC-led administration had expedited the passing of some legislation in its initial term but had failed to move the disability bill forward.

Mr Edwin Andoh, the Executive Secretary of the National Council on Persons with Disabilities, reiterated the government's dedication to the passage of the Persons with Disabilities Bill. The GNAD joined the international community in recognizing the International Week of the Deaf, which took place from September 21 to 27, 2026. This week was marked by a series of events that assembled academics, researchers, policymakers, civil society organizations, corporate entities, Members of Parliament, and other participants to deliberate on strategies to effectively integrate deaf individuals into national development.