Deputy Minister for Education, Dr Clement Apaak

The Deputy Minister for Education, Dr Clement Apaak, says President John Dramani Mahama’s government prioritizes the promotion of the inclusion of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in mainstream education.

Speaking at the donation of Teaching and Learning Resources to public schools by Chance for Childhood on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at the AMA Conference Hall in Accra, Dr Apaak stated that, in line with the implementation of the Inclusive Education Policy in Ghana, the Ministry is intensifying its efforts to improve equitable access to quality inclusive education for learners with disabilities and other special educational needs.

“This government places a top priority on inclusion, and we aspire to build an inclusive society where everyone is valued and can thrive in a supportive environment.

“In this regard, the Ministry of Education is strongly committed to promoting the inclusion of children with disabilities and other special needs in mainstream education. We firmly believe that all our children and persons with disabilities must have the opportunity to reach their fullest potential in quality educational settings that best meet their needs. The recent announcement by His Excellency President Mahama regarding the free tertiary education policy for persons with disabilities attests to the strong commitment we attach to inclusive education,” Dr. Apaak stated.

The Deputy Minister further noted that the Ministry acknowledges that promoting inclusive education requires strong collaboration among key stakeholders.

“For this reason, we commend Chance for Childhood for playing an active role in bridging gaps in the delivery of quality inclusive education in Ghana. Chance for Childhood’s holistic, inclusive interventions align with the Ministry’s efforts to promote inclusive education by ensuring that all children, including those with disabilities, at all levels of education, have equitable access to quality education, fully participate in classroom activities, and achieve meaningful learning outcomes.

“For example, the organization’s major interventions, such as screening and assessment for learners at the Early Childhood Education (ECE) level, will ensure early detection and intervention for children with disabilities.

“Additionally, training teachers in disability inclusion, especially pre-primary teachers, will ensure that they are adequately equipped to provide differentiated and individualized learning support to children with disabilities. Furthermore, the sensitization of parents and community members will help reduce stigma and discrimination against children and people with disabilities, enabling parents to effectively support their children with disabilities,” the Deputy Minister stated.

Dr Apaak emphasized that the supply of tactile teaching and learning resources, “as we are here to witness today, is another critical intervention to ensure that our mainstream schools remain inclusive, safe, and accommodating spaces for our children with disabilities and special educational needs.”

According to him, these interventions are crucial for early childhood development, especially for children with disabilities, recognizing that the formative years are critical in laying a strong foundation for children’s educational journeys.