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Give legal backing to sign language – GNAD President
The Ghana National Association of the Deaf (GNAD) has called on the Government to give legal recognition of the Ghanaian Sign Language (GSL) as a native language of the Deaf and hard of hearing people in Ghana.
The association said communication with to the deaf community faced some challenges and believed that legal backing for GSL as done in countries like Uganda, South Africa, USA, and Denmark would help remove the barrier which impeded access to education, health, employment and other social economic activities of the deaf.
The President of GNAD Mr. Matthew Kubachua said this during the commemoration of the International Day of Sign Languages held in Accra last week.
The day which was marked in partnership with the National Association of Sign Language Interpreters- Ghana (NASLIG) was on the theme ‘Recognition of Ghanaian Sign-Language, we Sign for Human Rights’. It was to also raise awareness of the importance of sign languages and strengthen their statuses.
According to Mr. Kubachua, these barriers existed because of the lack of legal recognition of the Ghanaian Sign Language as the native language of the deaf in Ghana.
“Government’s effort at disability inclusion can only be achieved when the state recognises Ghanaian Sign Language as one of the native languages and prioritises the use of it in the provision of services,” he said.
He indicated that the legal recognition of Ghanaian Sign Language and the subsequent formulation of modalities in its use for the provision of services for the deaf and Hard of Hearing would improve the socio-economic conditions and quality of life of the deaf.
“On the occasion of International Day of Sign Languages, GNAD wishes to draw the attention of the government to the fact that the revised Persons with Disability Act, Act 715.
“The implementation of the Act holds key to disability inclusion in Ghana and any delay in its passage will deny persons with disabilities their right to enjoy the rights to divinity as citizens of Ghana,” Mr. Kabachua stressed.
He called on the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service to expand access to quality basic and secondary education to as many deaf children as possible through the expansion of existing schools for the deaf, allocation of one of the newly constructed Senior High Schools and the engagement of qualified sign language interpreters in some senior high schools to improve access to inclusive education.
A lecturer at the Department of Special Education, University of Education, Winneba, Dr Daniel Fobi also said that due to the lack of early ear screening of children, those born deaf were not detected early until they reached about four or five years.
This, he said, was detrimental to the growth of the child and affected their performance compared with their hearing counterparts.
Dr Fobi urged parents to ensure their children were screened early to give deaf children early access to the learning of the sign language.
By Jemima Esinam Kuatsinu
For the first time in its seven-year history, the celebrated Guinea Fowl Bazaar has been brought to Accra, marking a significant expansion of an event that has, for the past six years, been a staple in Tamale.
The two-day cultural and culinary festival, held from May 1–2, drew over 500 patrons and featured nearly 20 vendors, to promote Northern Ghana’s rich food culture particularly guinea fowl delicacies.
Hosted by By Faith Catering Services, the bazaar brought together traditional leaders, cultural groups, food entrepreneurs, and government representatives in a display of heritage and enterprise.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Angelo Dogbe, the Northern Regional Director of the Ghana Tourism Authority underscored the importance of promoting indigenous cuisine as a tool for economic development and cultural preservation. Chiefs from the Northern Region also graced the occasion, lending traditional authority and reinforcing the cultural significance of the festival.
A major highlight of the bazaar was a series of captivating cultural performances representing the diverse tribes of the Northern Region. Attendees were treated to traditional music, dance, and attire, transforming the venue into a lively tapestry of Northern identity and pride.
Vendors expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity to showcase their products to a new audience in the capital. Many noted increased visibility, networking opportunities, and strong sales throughout the two-day event.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of By Faith Catering Services, Mrs. Matilda Zenabu Pipio described the Accra edition as a strategic move to broaden the reach of the festival and create new economic pathways for vendors and producers from the north.
She announced plans to make the Accra bazaar an annual event, emphasizing its potential to boost employment, promote guinea fowl production, and introduce more Ghanaians to the unique flavours of Northern cuisine.
She said, the event is a platform for cultural exchange, economic empowerment, and national unity through food.
She commended partners and called on more organisers to support and invest in initiatives like this.
Meanwhile, the organizers of Guinea fowl Bazaar paid a courtesy call to the Editor of Spectator, Mrs. Georgina Naa-Maku Quaittoo and Mr. David Adadevoh, Acting Editor of The Ghanaian Times.
Both editors lauded the initiatives and encouraged the organizers to sustain it.
Organizers for the initiative and called on stakeholders and cooperate bodies to support this good course.
By Geoffrey Buta.
MTN Ghana has hosted more than 200 students from various educational institutions in Accra for an engaging, hands-on technology immersion at MTN House, bringing classroom theory to life and fueling interest in STEM and digital innovation.
Students from Ashesi University, Ghana International School, Cradle Star Academy, and Kinderland School explored MTN Ghana’s rich history, core values, customer-focused innovations, and digital transformation agenda.
They were introduced to the company’s sustainability and social impact initiatives, spanning education, youth empowerment and community development. A key highlight of the visits was a tour of MTN Ghana’s Network Operations Centre (NOC) and data centres.
The students gained first-hand exposure to the advanced technology, systems, and expertise powering seamless connectivity for millions daily – offering a rare look into how MTN ensures network performance, security, and resilience.
Speaking on the initiative, the Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer at MTN Ghana, Adwoa Wiafe, noted, “Hosting students at MTN House reflects our commitment to shaping Ghana’s digital future. As we deliver our Ambition 2030 strategy, we are deepening investments in youth development through programmes like the Bright Scholarship, the MTN Digital Skills Academy, and collaborations on the One Million Coders Programme and the Girls in ICT initiative led by the Ministry of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation.”
Paschal Paaga, Manager for IT Projects Implementation, emphasised the importance of experiential learning.
‘’By opening our doors, we are helping to bridge the gap between academia and industry. We want young people to see the real-world impact of technology and be inspired to pursue careers in STEM.”
For many participants, the experience was transformative. Maame Sapomaa, a Level 300 Information Systems student from Ashesi University, shared, “The visit was incredibly inspiring. Everything we have learned in the classroom came to life, and we were exposed to new concepts beyond our studies. It has motivated me even more to pursue a career in technology.”
As MTN Ghana advances its Ambition 2030 vision, the company remains committed to driving digital inclusion, platform-led innovation, and building strategic partnerships that support Ghana’s long-term socio-economic development.
