Telecel Ghana has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing inclusion and accessibility for deaf persons across Ghana at this year’s International Week for the Deaf celebrations.

Hosted under the theme, “Strengthening Access to Quality Multilingual Inclusive Education for Deaf Learners in Ghana: The Role of Tertiary Education Institutions,” the event brought together educators, policymakers, students, and disability advocates to explore practical ways of making tertiary education and campus life more accessible to deaf and hard-of-hearing learners while promoting the rights and participation of deaf people in society.

Delivering Telecel Ghana’s solidarity message, Mercy Akude, General Manager for Commercial Operations, reaffirmed the company’s long-standing commitment to advancing inclusion for the Deaf community. She noted that Telecel’s partnership with GNAD began in 2017 and has grown into a multifaceted effort focused on improving access, opportunity, and participation for deaf persons across the country.

She highlighted that during the period of Telecel and GNAD’s partnership, Telecel has employed 10 deaf professionals and serves more than 3,500 members of the Deaf community through heavily discounted voice and data products, dedicated support channels, including the Telecel Play App and *494#. She emphasized that inclusion must go beyond providing access to services and must encompass creating opportunities for meaningful participation in society. “Inclusion is not just about access. It is about creating an environment where everyone can participate, connect, and thrive,” she said, referencing Telecel’s SuperCare Initiative and the company’s continued efforts to make connectivity a tool for empowerment and social inclusion.

Representing the Ministry of Education, Nana Baffuor Awuah, Director for Pre-Tertiary Education, delivered remarks on behalf of the Minister, emphasizing government’s vision for inclusive education that extends beyond enrolment and focuses on creating learning environments where every student can succeed. He highlighted plans to improve teaching methods, expand the use of accessible technologies, strengthen early identification programmes, and enhance sign language training for teachers. He also underscored the importance of collaboration among the GES, parents, schools, and other stakeholders to improve educational outcomes for deaf learners and strengthen support systems nationwide.

Panelists from Ashesi University, the University of Ghana, Takoradi Technical University, Presbyterian College of Education, and the Ghana Education Service (GES) explored the theme, “Finding the Missing Link: Sustaining Access to Multilingual Inclusive Education for Deaf Learners.” The discussion focused on the policies, support systems, and institutional practices needed to ensure deaf learners not only gain access to tertiary education but are also able to thrive throughout their academic journeys. Panelists highlighted the importance of sign language interpretation, accessible learning resources, disability support services, and stronger collaboration among educational institutions and policymakers to build truly inclusive learning environments.

Seidu Musah, Programmes Manager at GNAD, stressed that the rights of deaf people should never be regarded as charity or treated as an optional consideration. “Sign language should be seen as essential, not as an add-on service,” he said, adding that accessibility must be embedded in all aspects of campus life, from academics to social and administrative services.

Members of the deaf community called for stronger implementation of inclusive policies through increased access to interpreters, assistive technologies, institutional disability support centres, and campus-wide accessibility measures that enable students to fully exercise their rights.

Telecel Ghana’s participation as the event’s main sponsor extended beyond financial support. The company’s customer experience team used the platform to showcase digital solutions designed to reduce barriers to communication and information access for deaf learners. The team also reaffirmed Telecel’s commitment to working closely with GNAD and other partners to expand inclusive programmes across schools and communities.