Ghana To Establish Policy For Ghanaian Sign Language In Schools

Ghana’s Government is to develop a sustainable policy governing the development and use of Ghanaian Sign Language (GSL) across the country’s education system.

Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu said his ministry would work with relevant stakeholders to formally recognise and institutionalise GSL, describing the move as a significant step in addressing deaf education.

Speaking at a dialogue in Accra titled “Strengthening Quality Multilingual Inclusive Education for Deaf Learners in Ghana”, Mr Iddrisu said the proposed policy would provide a clear framework for the language’s use in teaching and learning.

“Ghanaian Sign Language is not simply a communication technique for many deaf Ghanaians; it is a language through which they express themselves, develop their identity and participate fully in society,” he said.

The minister said the policy would be consistent with Ghana’s constitutional, legal and international commitments. He added that it would be evidence-based, inclusive and developed through careful co-ordination.

The framework will cover eight key areas, including the standardisation and further development of GSL. It will also support the recording of suitable terminology, including vocabulary used in academic and scientific settings.

Other elements will include producing teaching and learning resources, as well as training and certifying sign language teachers and interpreters.

Sign language skills will be integrated into relevant teacher education programmes under the plans. The policy will also address the recruitment and deployment of suitably trained staff.

Mr Iddrisu said the framework would promote accessible assessment methods, reinforce bilingual and multilingual teaching approaches for deaf learners, and establish systematic monitoring of learning outcomes.

He warned that official recognition of GSL must lead to tangible educational opportunities and better results for learners, rather than remain only a statement of policy.

Multilingual education

The minister said Ghana’s linguistic diversity made multilingual education especially important. For deaf learners, he said, that approach must recognise GSL alongside the written and spoken languages they encounter at school and in wider society.

“For deaf learners, multilingualism should recognise the role of Ghanaian Sign Language alongside written and spoken languages encountered in school and society,” he said.

The Government’s proposed approach would give deaf learners a strong foundation in GSL while enabling them gradually to develop literacy in written English and other languages relevant to their communities and educational pathways.

Mr Iddrisu said children learned most effectively when they understood and actively took part in their education, making participation a central priority.

He said success should not be judged simply by the number of learners with disabilities enrolled in school. Instead, it should be measured by whether they were learning, reading and communicating effectively.

Progress in numeracy and digital skills would also be important indicators, alongside learners’ ability to advance through the education system and gain skills for further education, employment and independent living.

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