On the floor of Parliament on Wednesday, Member of Parliament for Akuapem North, Hon. Samuel Awuku, passionately called for the development of a dedicated legislative framework for deaf education in Ghana, following a recent engagement with students from the Senior High Technical School for the Deaf in Mampong.
In a statement delivered during proceedings, Hon. Awuku emphasized the need for inclusive policy and legal backing to support the country’s only Senior High Technical School for the Deaf, which he described as vulnerable due to the absence of a legal foundation.
“Mr. Speaker, the first and most pressing issue raised by the students was the absence of a dedicated legislative framework for deaf education in Ghana,” he stated.
The MP recounted the significance of a forum organised by the Department of Public Engagement, which brought together Members of Parliament and students living with hearing impairments for a direct and open interaction.
“Mr. Speaker, the encounter provided a platform for students living with hearing impairments to interact directly with legislators and provide them with a real-world understanding of how Parliament works, including ways through which they can actively participate.”
He noted that the event, which featured contributions from Hon. Fred Agbenyo, Hon. Edem Agbana, Hon. Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, Hon. Shirley Kyei, and Hon. Wallace Pele, was both inspiring and enlightening.
More importantly, Hon. Awuku pointed to the urgent need for parliamentary action based on the critical issues raised during the engagement.
He explained that without legislation, the school in Mampong continues to operate without secure funding, policy direction, or consistent administrative support.
“Such legislation, Mr. Speaker, would do more than fund a school; it would serve as a national commitment to inclusivity, equity, and sustainable educational development for a marginalised group of our population,” he said.
He also referenced Sustainable Development Goal 4, Target 4.5, which advocates for equal access to quality education for vulnerable groups, including people with disabilities.
