ECOWAS Ghana representative calls for inclusion of youth with disabilities in West Africa’s future

The Resident Representative of ECOWAS in Ghana, Mr Mohammed Lawan Gana, has said young persons with disabilities must be included in West Africa’s integration and development agenda if the region is to move forward together.

He made the remarks on May 29, 2025, during a donation to the Demonstration School for the Deaf at Mampong Akuapem in the Eastern Region as part of activities marking the 50th anniversary of ECOWAS.

The items, valued at about US$5,000, included food supplies, stationery and other materials intended to support teaching and learning at the school. Mr Gana said the donation was meant to draw attention to children with special needs and to affirm their place in the region’s future.

“This donation is part of activities commemorating 50 years of ECOWAS,” he said. “We deliberately chose to support a school for children with special needs to show that youth with disabilities are part of our community and our future.”

He said ECOWAS recognises the potential of all young people and called for a society that gives equal room for children with disabilities to grow and contribute.

“There is no separation,” Mr Gana said. “We cannot leave them behind. The youth are the future, and these children also have dreams and aspirations. They should be part of our journey toward a united and progressive West Africa.”

The Demonstration School for the Deaf was established in 1967 and currently has 531 students.

It provides education from the kindergarten level to vocational training, including sewing, bead making, leatherwork and hairdressing.

The school supports children with hearing impairment, deaf-blindness, autism, Down syndrome and other multiple disabilities.

The Principal, Mr Setumte Ametewee, welcomed the donation and said many of the students come from deprived backgrounds and depend heavily on support from the government and individuals to stay in school.

“Our children are extremely hardworking and only need support to thrive,” he said. “With this gesture from ECOWAS, we feel seen and included.”

Assistant Headmaster Mr Divine Edem Kodadza said the school was grappling with limited teaching space, an overcrowded vocational block and the absence of an assembly hall.

He explained that although the school is government-assisted and students do not pay fees, some families are unable to meet the basic boarding requirements.

“We are running a special school on limited resources,” Mr Kodadza said. “Sometimes students come without exercise books or food items. This donation will go a long way to complement the government’s efforts and ease the burden on parents.”

He added that the school needs help to complete an unfinished vocational building and equip a hearing assessment centre being developed on campus. At present, prospective students are referred to Achimota for assessment, which can be difficult for many families.

“We need more hands to train these children well,” he said. “Government alone cannot do it all.”

Mr Gana said the 50th anniversary of ECOWAS was not only a time for celebration, but also an opportunity for the regional body to reflect and plan for the future.

“Despite the challenges in the region, we are looking ahead,” he said. “And that future must include everyone—especially those with special needs.”