Special Need Education In Northern Ghana.

Several teacher training and professional development practices in Ghana aim to support equity and inclusion in education. Unique Needs Education Training: Providing specialized training to teachers to help students with disabilities and special educational needs, ensuring all students have access to quality education. Unfortunately, most specially trained teachers are not posted to special needs schools. Go to Wa School for blind students, Wa School for deaf students, Gbeogo School for deaf students, Savelugu School for deaf students and St. Don Bosco Special School in Nadwoli. The majority of the teachers posted are not specially trained teachers. The teachers get to the schools without sign language or braille knowledge, making teaching and learning very challenging for Teachers and students. It is like we are not serious when it comes to special education. Interacting with Heads of Special schools in northern Ghana tells me that postings to these schools do not consider that the schools are unique and, therefore, require specially trained teachers.

The challenges facing special needs education in northern Ghana demand urgent attention and action from both the government and individuals. The government must allocate substantial funds to improve resources, provide comprehensive teacher training, and develop infrastructure for accessible schools. Two years ago, a student died in one of the schools because the school had no vehicle to drive the said student to the hospital. The same school does not have accommodation for Teachers and other housemothers who support caring for these students. Thanks to World Education for giving the school a pick-up and other resources. I would like to add that WE also donated to the different schools. Items included air-conditioners, furniture and teaching and learning resources.

Additionally, individuals should actively offer financial support and advocate for financial support by the municipal and district assemblies. Parents also need extensive education to stop hiding their children and get them to school. Parents also need to stop spending allocations meant for special needs students on other children with the perception that they have a brighter future as compared to those with disabilities. This jaundiced impression, coupled with traditional beliefs, is destroying the future of persons with disabilities and affecting the education of persons with disabilities in our part of the country. In 2022, we extensively engaged with 13 district assemblies and got them to support 19 girls attending special needs schools. Last year (2023), one of the parents received one thousand five hundred Ghana cedi to help the child go to school. The parents spent the money. We learned a great lesson, and we asked the assemblies to pay the school directly instead of giving the money to the parents.

There is a need for a collective effort to ensure that all students, including those with disabilities, have access to quality education and the support they need to thrive.