Gov’t Reaffirms Commitment to Inclusive Education for Persons with Disabilities – Dr. Apaak
The Deputy Minister for Education, Dr. Clement Apaak, has reaffirmed the government’s strong commitment to inclusive education, particularly for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), within Ghana’s mainstream educational framework.
Speaking at a ceremony hosted by the NGO Chance for Childhood at the AMA Conference Hall in Accra, Dr. Apaak emphasized that the administration of President John Dramani Mahama is dedicated to creating equal educational opportunities for all learners, including children with disabilities.
“This government places a top priority on inclusion. We are working toward building a society where everyone is valued and supported to thrive,” he stated during the event, which featured the donation of Teaching and Learning Materials to public schools.
Dr. Apaak highlighted the implementation and expansion of Ghana’s Inclusive Education Policy, noting that the Ministry of Education is intensifying efforts to ensure equitable access to quality education for learners with disabilities and other special educational needs.
He also referenced President Mahama’s recent announcement of a free tertiary education policy for persons with disabilities, describing it as a landmark initiative in advancing inclusive education nationwide.
Acknowledging the critical role of collaboration, Dr. Apaak commended Chance for Childhood for its holistic approach to promoting disability-inclusive education. He praised the organization’s work in early screening, teacher training, and community engagement, which he said aligns with the Ministry’s broader goals.
“Equipping pre-primary teachers with the skills to offer individualized support and sensitizing parents and communities are key to dismantling stigma and empowering families,” he noted.
Dr. Apaak also stressed the importance of providing tactile learning resources, which he described as essential for making classrooms more inclusive and accessible for children with special needs.
“These resources are particularly important in early childhood development, a stage where foundational skills—motor, cognitive, sensory, communication, and social—are rapidly formed,” he explained.
Dr. Apaak reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that every child, regardless of ability, has access to quality education in a safe and inclusive environment where they can achieve their full potential.
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