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International Day of Sign Languages: Stakeholders push for‘official sign language policy’
The organisation want sign language introduced in basic and secondary school curriculum
Following the commemoration of this year’s International Day of Sign Languages on September 23, 2022, non-profit organisation, HearMi Ghana, and partner institutions have appealed to the government to “recognise the Ghanaian Sign Language (GSL) as an official language of the deaf” in the country.
The organisation again calls for the implementation of a legislative framework to “enhance sign language education and protect the rights of the deaf.”
It said successful implementation of the Ghana Sign Language Policy (GSL) would ensure that public service providers employed the services of sign language interpreters to aid communication among the deaf and the general public.
Mr William Hodzi, Founder of HearMi Ghana, noted in a statement that Ghana had ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) which included the deaf in 2012, but “it is yet to comply with the provisions outlined in it to enhance sign language education and protect the linguistic right and identity of the deaf communities.”
Referring to figures from the Ghana Association of the Deaf, he said there were about 110,625 deaf and about 20 schools for the deaf in the country. However, “the quality of education compared with their counterparts at the mainstream hearing schools is below standard.”
Key among the reasons, according to him, was “the fact that we do not have a Ghanaian Sign Language Policy.”
“Governments upon governments lack the political will to push for the policy and its implementation because of the financial commitments that come with it,” he noted.
Mr Hodzi said over 300 sign languages were used as a source of communication by about 70 million deaf globally but the “unavailability of a formalised sign language policy was affecting the funding process and systematic administration of sign language services in Ghanaian schools for the deaf.”
“In 2006, Persons with Disability Act, (Act 715) was passed to protect the rights of PWDs including people who could not hear.
“This Act is a good attempt but woefully inadequate compared with global and other regional disability legislations because it has no policy to promote the Ghanaian Sign Language,” he added.
Implementation of the policy, according to the HearMi Ghana, would ensure the deaf community “communicates freely with the general public without any difficulty.”
The organization further urged the Ministry of Education and Ghana Education Service to introduce the study of Ghana Sign Language into the curriculum of basic and second cycle schools in the country.
It commended institutions such as the University of Cape Coast, University of Ghana, Ashesi University and other institutions that had policies that encouraged the study of GSL as part of requirements in obtaining first degree, and encouraged media houses to continue employing the services of sign language interpreters on television during important state programmes.
HearMi Ghana champions activities that reduce the incidence of hearing loss in Ghana by engaging in advocacy, health education, screening, research, treatment, rehabilitation services and other philanthropic activities to assist people who are hearing impaired.
By Ernest Nutsugah
The Minority Caucus on Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee has called for urgent and decisive action following recent xenophobic attacks on Ghanaians living in South Africa.
In a statement issued in Accra on April 29, the caucus expressed concern about what it described as a growing pattern of violence against foreign nationals, including Ghanaians, in areas such as KwaZulu-Natal, Durban and Gauteng.
The group noted that Ghanaian-owned businesses have been attacked, while some individuals have been harassed and assaulted. It added that, in certain cases, victims have also been denied access to essential services.
According to the statement, claims that foreign nationals are responsible for crime and economic hardship are unfounded and should be rejected.
The caucus referred to the widely circulated assault of a Ghanaian, Emmanuel Asamoah, as an example of the severity of the situation. It also raised concern about reports that some incidents occurred in the presence of law enforcement officers without effective intervention.
The Minority acknowledged steps taken by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, including his engagement with South African authorities and efforts to provide consular support to affected Ghanaians.
It noted the public condemnation of the attacks by President Cyril Ramaphosa, describing these as necessary but not sufficient.
The caucus called on the South African government to ensure the immediate arrest and prosecution of those responsible and to hold security agencies accountable where they fail to act.
It urged authorities to take practical steps to protect foreign nationals across the country.
On the part of Ghana, the Minority urged the government to adopt a stronger and more structured response.
It called for direct engagement between President John Dramani Mahama and President Ramaphosa to secure firm commitments on the safety of Ghanaians.
The statement further recommended increased consular support for citizens in affected areas and called for the issue to be escalated to the African Union for an urgent inquiry into recurring xenophobic attacks.
It urged the government to work with regional partners within ECOWAS to present a unified response.
The Minority suggested that Ghana should seek assurances from South Africa, including confirmed arrests, clear prosecution processes and a plan to protect foreign nationals.
It added that compensation should be considered for victims who have suffered losses.
The statement, signed by the Ranking Member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Samuel Abu Jinapor, urged Ghanaians in South Africa to remain cautious and maintain contact with the Ghana High Commission.
It stressed that Ghana must act firmly to protect its citizens and uphold the principles of cooperation and solidarity among African countries.
By: Jacob Aggrey
News
Climate Change and Sustainability Ministry backs WiSA International Festival to promote women-led climate action
The Office of the Minister of State for Climate Change and Sustainability has expressed support for the Women in Sustainability Africa (WiSA) International Festival, aimed at promoting inclusive climate action and sustainable development across the continent.
In a statement, the Office said it recognises WiSA as an important platform that brings together governments, development partners, the private sector and civil society to drive climate solutions and economic transformation.
The Festival is scheduled to take place on May 1, 2026, at the Cedi Conference Centre from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
This year’s event under the theme: Empowering Women For The Economic Sustainability of Africa, will feature, Liu Yaw Nana, Acting Secretary of Ghana-Chinese Business Chamber of Commerce, Issifu Seidu, Minister of State for Climate Change and Sustainability, Dr.Agness Naa Momo Lartey, Minister for Gender Children and Social Protection, Bishop E.O Ansah, General Overseer, Eternal Life Church, President, Women’s Development Association, Turkey, Nilgün Zaimoğlu and Chief of Government Relations and Africa UN Global Compact.
Additionally, it will host, Dr.Charity Binka, Chairperson, Chairperson, African Women Leaders Network , Pearl Opoku, Trader and GUTA National Organiser, Lydia Abbey, Makola Market Queen, actress Juliet Ibrahim, CEO of FZ Global Legacy, Francesca Zoppi, The Revival Founder, Yayra Agbofah and many others.
According to the statement, WiSA’s vision, led by Nana Yaa Serwaa Sarpong, aligns with national and continental goals on climate resilience, green growth and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Office noted that WiSA’s focus on empowering women as key drivers of sustainability and economic productivity is a practical approach to addressing climate challenges and development gaps.
It highlighted WiSA’s track record of engaging global institutions and organising multi-stakeholder events as evidence of its ability to mobilise partnerships and deliver results.
The Ministry said the 2026 Festival presents an opportunity to promote climate-smart investments, green innovation and scalable solutions in areas such as renewable energy, sustainable agriculture and the circular economy.
It added that the event will also support public-private partnerships and strengthen Africa-led solutions in global sustainability discussions.
As part of its commitment, the Office said it will support policy coordination, facilitate engagement with relevant government agencies, and promote an enabling environment for climate finance and green investments.
It also pledged to contribute to knowledge sharing, technical support and stakeholder mobilisation.
The statement emphasised that investing in initiatives like WiSA is key to driving inclusive economic growth, building resilience and achieving long-term development goals.
It further stressed that empowering women remains central to delivering sustainable and equitable outcomes.
The Office called on organisations to partner with WiSA to support climate action and sustainable development efforts across Africa.
By: Jacob Aggrey
