The Demonstration School for the Deaf (with Deafblind Unit) at Akuapem Mampong in the Eastern Region says it is unable to admit additional students due to inadequate infrastructure.
Established in 1967 as a practical training institution for sign language teachers, the school currently has 531 boarding students.
However, authorities say that since 2020, the school has struggled to admit the increasing number of applicants because of limited facilities.
Headmaster of the School, Setumte Dodzi Ametewee, told Starr News Eastern Regional Correspondent Kojo Ansah, “As we speak now, since COVID, we’ve had a lot of backlog. And we need space to be able to bring them on. They have applied, but they’re on a waiting list. They’re on a waiting list because we cannot take them because of the crowds and the spaces that are available. And so we need more space to be able to take them in.”
Management acknowledges efforts by the current government to complete abandoned projects on the school compound, but maintains that until those facilities are completed, the institution cannot meet the growing demand for admissions.
“And so there’s been some projects that were written for, they’re on campus, but they’ve not been completed. And so from time to time, we chase them to see how the ministry, government, can help to finish up with these projects. And as I speak now, the contractor, one contractor is even on site. And we are hoping that by the end of this year or towards the beginning of next year, we’ll get that facility to bring on board the many children out there who are willing to be in school,” Mr. Ametewee said.
The Headmaster also revealed that the Deafblind Unit urgently needs a Massage Center to cater for the neurotherapeutic needs of students, stressing that good health is key to effective learning.
To help reduce unemployment, the school has set up vocational centers to train students in employable skills.
Mr. Ametewee further urged the general public and corporate Ghana to support the school, while calling on government to invest in inclusive education, implement disability policies, and create awareness.
Meanwhile, Chairman and Founder of the Kabaka Foundation, Nana Owiredu Wadie I, Nkosuohene of Kwahu Nkwatia, has pledged to construct the Massage Center for the school within a year.
This follows his donation of large quantities of food items, sanitary pads, toiletries, and stationery to the institution.
Management of the Demonstration School for the Deaf remains hopeful that with sustained support from government, NGOs, and philanthropists, the school can expand its facilities to admit more students and improve learning outcomes for children with hearing and visual impairments.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh
