By Ernest Nutsugah
Accra, Aug 12, GNA – Professor Samuel Kwaku Hayford, an educationist, has urged the Ministry of Education (MOE) to endorse the revised Inclusive Education Policy, which will help modernise the operations of special schools in the country.
The former Dean of the Faculty of Education Studies, University of Education, Winneba, said the policy would, among other things, provide legal protection, enforcement standards, harmonise inter-agency operations, and ensure learners with special needs receive “adapted instructional support.”
Speaking at the 43rd Annual Conference of Heads of Special Schools (COHESS) in Ghana on Tuesday, Prof Hayford noted that inclusive education was a fundamental human right and should not be treated as “a favour” extended to persons with special needs.
“The revised policy represents a modern, progressive blueprint that has been meticulously updated by experts to reflect international best practices and real-world institutional needs,” he said.
“Without a formal endorsement of this revised document, our schools are left operating under obstinate guidelines that do not address the realities of modern classrooms. We cannot drive future-ready educational reforms using an outdated compass.”
The conference, themed: “Quality Education for All: Strengthening Support Systems for Special and Inclusive Schools,” brought together stakeholders to examine challenges of special need education, share innovative practices, and make recommendations to policy makers.
Prof Hayford noted that the policy, when endorsed, would restructure existing special need schools as “resource and transition centres.”
He commended the Government for providing free special education for persons with disability, adding that the GHC 100 million annual allocation for the initiative should be utilised with “strict accountability.”
He admonished COHESS to deliver on their mandate and support the wholistic development of special need learners in various institutions.
“I urge you to look at your schools not as they are, but as they must become. Look at the children under your care, not through the lens of their limitations, but through the endless horizon of their potentials,” he said.
Prof. Ernest Kofi Davis, the Director General, Ghana Education Service, GES, called for stronger collaboration between special schools and regular schools and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to bridging gaps in special need education.
“Quality education for all is not a promise; it is a promise that a child with physical disability deserves the same opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute to national development as any other child,” he said.
Madam Roseline Frempomaa Adjepong, COHESS Chairperson, commended the Government for increasing the feeding grant for special schools to GHC 15.00, and appealed for more specialised facilities and support services to facilitate teaching and learning.
She challenged the school heads to be innovative, provide visionary leadership, and strengthen partnerships with parents and communities to help deliver quality education and improve learning outcomes.
“Achieving high learning outcomes in special education is neither accidental nor mechanical. It requires visionary leadership that bridges the gap between policy and classroom practice. The weight on our shoulders is heavy but let us lead with conviction, accountability and courage,” she said.
Mrs Helena Mensah, Director, Special Education Division, GES, urged COHESS to maintain professionalism, highlighting efforts aimed at expanding access to assistive technologies, professional development, advocacy, and adequate resources for special schools.
Mr Azeriya George Ayeriga, Krowor Municipal Director of Education, commended stakeholders supporting learners with special needs for their efforts, and urged professionals to help build an inclusive educational system.
The conference honoured members for their exceptional service and contributions to the association.
GNA
Edited by Agnes Boye-Doe
Reporter: Ernest Nutsugah
Writer’s email: [email protected]