Promotion of Inclusive Education is a Priority — Dr Clement Apaak

The Deputy Minister for Education, Dr Clement Abas Apaak, says President John Mahama’s government is committed to promoting the inclusion of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in mainstream education.

He explained that as part of efforts to implement Ghana’s Inclusive Education Policy, the Ministry of Education is focused on improving access to quality education for learners with disabilities and special needs.

“This government places top priority on inclusion. We want to build a society where everyone is valued and can thrive in a supportive environment,” Dr Apaak said.

He was speaking at a ceremony where teaching and learning materials were donated to 275 public basic schools in 17 districts in the Northern and Greater Accra regions. The donation was carried out by the NGO Chance for Childhood (CFC) in partnership with the Ghana Education Service (GES).

The materials, including puzzles, alphabet blocks, abacuses, and other resources, are meant to help schools support children with disabilities.

Dr Apaak said the recent announcement of free tertiary education for persons with disabilities also highlights the government’s dedication to inclusive education. He praised Chance for Childhood for supporting early screening, teacher training, and classroom support that align with the Ministry’s goals.

The Director of Early Childhood Education at the GES, Adisa Tessa, stressed the importance of investing in early childhood education. She warned that missing education during the first five years of life can have lasting negative effects.

The Country Representative for Chance for Childhood, Abdul-Gaffar Adam, noted that while the donation was part of their larger strategy to support inclusion, high costs remain a major challenge. He explained that interventions such as teacher training, disability screening, and advocacy require significant resources, which limits the organisation’s reach.