Accra:The government has announced plans to create a sustainable policy for the development and use of Ghanaian Sign Language (GSL) within the country's education system.
According to Ghana News Agency, the Minister of Education, Mr. Haruna Iddrisu, stated that the Ministry would work with stakeholders to formally recognize and institutionalize GSL. This initiative was discussed at a dialogue focused on strengthening quality multilingual inclusive education for deaf learners in Ghana, held in Accra.
Mr. Iddrisu emphasized the importance of GSL, noting that it is not merely a communication tool but a language that allows many deaf Ghanaians to express themselves, develop their identity, and fully participate in society. He highlighted the need for a clear and sustainable policy framework that aligns with Ghana's constitutional, legal, and international commitments, ensuring it is evidence-based, inclusive, and well-coordinated.
The proposed policy will address eight key areas, including the standardization and development of GSL, documentation of appropriate terminology, preparation of teaching and learning materials, and the training and certification of sign language teachers and interpreters. It will also integrate sign language competencies into teacher education programs and ensure the recruitment of trained personnel.
Furthermore, the policy aims to provide accessible assessment practices, strengthen bilingual and multilingual approaches to teaching deaf learners, and monitor learning outcomes systematically. Mr. Iddrisu stressed that the recognition of GSL should lead to tangible educational opportunities and improved learning outcomes.
Addressing multilingual education, the Minister mentioned that Ghana's linguistic diversity makes the concept especially important. He advocated for an approach enabling deaf learners to develop strong foundational competencies in GSL while acquiring literacy in written English and other relevant languages.
The ultimate measure of success, according to the Minister, should not merely be the enrollment of learners with disabilities but their effective learning, communication, acquisition of numeracy and digital skills, and ability to progress through the education system towards employment and independent living.