By Simon Asare, GNA
Accra, Nov. 15, GNA – Special Olympics Ghana and the Ghana Education Service (GES) have renewed their commitment to inclusive education and sports development with the signing of a second Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at expanding opportunities for learners with intellectual disabilities across the country.
The agreement was signed at the Mensvic Grand Hotel in East Legon on the theme: “Together for Inclusion: From the Field to the Classroom.”
The partnership forms part of the Global Coalition for Inclusion initiative and seeks to strengthen collaboration between the two institutions in promoting inclusive learning environments, teacher capacity building and the integration of sports as a tool for social inclusion.
ACP Rev. Dr. Thomas Opoku Darkwah, Acting Board Chairman of Special Olympics Ghana, said the agreement reaffirmed a shared commitment to ensuring that every child, regardless of ability, had the opportunity to learn, participate and thrive in an environment where dignity, respect and belonging were guaranteed.
He said the collaboration between Special Olympics Ghana and GES over the years had helped advance inclusive education, broaden opportunities for learners with intellectual disabilities and equip teachers with the skills needed to support inclusion.
“The MoU we are signing today reinforces that commitment and positions us to achieve even greater impact in the years ahead,” he said.
ACP Rev. Dr. Darkwah noted that while sports remained a powerful platform for transformation, the broader vision was to ensure that inclusion was reflected in every classroom, school community and opportunity available to every child.
He commended GES, development partners, parents, teachers, coaches and volunteers for their contribution to advancing inclusive education and creating opportunities for persons with intellectual disabilities.
Prof. Smile Gavua Dzisi, Deputy Director-General in charge of Management Services at GES, described the signing ceremony as a significant milestone in the longstanding partnership between the two institutions.
She said the renewed agreement was not merely a continuation of an existing arrangement but a stronger commitment to promoting inclusive education and sports development nationwide.
According to her, the first MoU laid the foundation for collaboration through school-based sports and educational activities that improved opportunities for learners with intellectual disabilities.
“Today, we are building on those achievements and taking our partnership to a higher level,” she said.
Prof. Dzisi said experiences from inclusive sporting activities had demonstrated the confidence, resilience and potential of learners with intellectual disabilities when given the opportunity to participate.
She stressed that inclusion should not be limited to sports but must become a central component of educational policy and practice.
“Inclusion is not merely an aspiration. It is a responsibility we must collectively fulfil,” she said.
Prof. Dzisi said GES remained committed to implementing Ghana’s Inclusive Education Policy and ensuring equitable access to quality education for all learners.
She noted that the renewed partnership would focus on strengthening teachers’ capacity, creating safe and supportive learning environments, encouraging parental involvement and promoting unified sports programmes in schools.
Mr Charles Nyambe, President of Special Olympics Africa, welcomed the renewed partnership and described it as another important milestone in advancing inclusive education and sports in Ghana.
He said the collaboration would further strengthen preparations towards the 2027 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Chile and enhance opportunities for athletes with intellectual disabilities across the continent.
Representatives from UNICEF, UNESCO, Lions Club International, FET Mining, the GUBA Foundation, Adwensa Publications and other partners delivered goodwill messages and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting inclusive education initiatives in Ghana.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Odeng Adade
Reporter: Simon Asare
Email: [email protected]