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GNAD urges media to champion issues of deaf inclusion
The Ghana National Association of the Deaf (GNAD) has urged the Ghanaian media to play a stronger role in ensuring access to information and inclusion for deaf and hard-of-hearing people.
The call was made by Mr Juventus Duorinaah, Executive Director of GNAD, as part of activities marking this year’s International Week of the Deaf (IWD), which is celebrated globally every September under the auspices of the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD).
This year’s celebration is themed: ‘No Human Rights without Sign Language Rights.’
According to him, the theme resonates with GNAD’s ongoing advocacy to remove communication barriers and secure the linguistic rights of the deaf community in Ghana.
Mr Duorinaah explained that the recognition of sign language as a human right was supported by international commitments, including the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), particularly Article 9 on accessibility.
He added that other frameworks, such as UN General Assembly Resolutions A/RES/72/161 and A/ RES/72/162, which proclaim September 23 as the International Day of Sign Languages (IDSL), further affirmed the importance of accessible information and communication.
As part of the celebration, GNAD would host a Media Forum under the theme: ‘no human rights without sign language rights: What role will the Ghanaian media play in ensuring access to information and inclusion?’
The forum will convene heads of news, station managers, directors of TV, producers, publishers, and other key industry players to deliberate on practical ways to promote inclusive communication.
“The media is a key driver of public information and awareness, and it holds a unique responsibility to ensure deaf people are not left behind,” Mr Duorinaah stated.
“By championing inclusion through sign language interpretation and accessible formats, Ghanaian media outlets can help advance the rights and dignity of deaf citizens while strengthening the country’s commitments to international human rights obligations,” he added.
The discussions will spotlight challenges that hinder the deaf’s access to media content and explore strategies for promoting deaf inclusion in the Ghanaian media landscape.
By Jemima Esinam Kuatsinu
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