Member of Parliament for Akuapem North, Sammi Awuku, is calling for the establishment of a dedicated legal framework and greater judicial inclusivity to promote equity and justice for people living with disability (PLWDs), especially those with hearing impairment.
Speaking on the state of disability support systems in Ghana, Mr. Awuku highlighted the urgent need to audit and develop infrastructure in educational institutions that serve students with hearing impairment. He stressed that the quality of education must be improved to create a safe, inclusive, and empowering learning environment.
“We must ensure that deaf students are not treated like ordinary students without regard for their unique needs,” he said.
Mr. Awuku emphasized the importance of designing and implementing specialized curricula tailored to the specific learning requirements of PLWDs. He urged Parliament to champion this agenda, pressing the Ministry of Education to prioritize disability-inclusive education in a more ambitious and targeted manner.
In addition to the education sector, the MP expressed concern about the exclusion of PLWDs—particularly hearing impaired individuals—from accessing justice. He pointed out that many are unable to effectively communicate with law enforcement or navigate court processes due to the lack of interpreters and inclusive protocols.
“The state has not made enough provisions for PLWDs, especially the deaf, who face discrimination in institutions like the police and the courts. Too often, they cannot be heard, understood, or involved in planning processes,” he lamented.
Mr. Awuku’s call comes amid growing advocacy for a rights-based approach to disability inclusion, one that ensures equal participation, legal protection, and institutional reforms across Ghana’s public systems.
