SILANEM, a dedicated organisation committed to supporting the Deaf community, officially launched its Sign Language Education Project (SILEP) in Tarkwa, marking a significant step towards a more inclusive society.
The initiative aims to promote accessibility and bridge communication gaps between the Deaf, hard-of-hearing, and hearing communities in the region.
The SILEP is a collaborative undertaking between SILANEM, the Office of Research, Innovation, and Consultancy (ORIC) at the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT), and the Inclusive Tech Group.
It builds upon UMaT’s draft disability policy and is inspired by the government’s commitment to inclusive education, as highlighted in the President’s state of the nation address.
The launch event, held on July 25, 2025, at UMaT, included a range of activities, such project overview, an open forum, sign language performances, and a presentation by the Deputy Director of Education.
The event brought together stakeholders such as members from the Sign Language Empowerment, Inclusive Tech Group, the University community, the Deaf community, the District Education Directorate, the District Health Directorate, the Department of Social welfare and Community Development, the National Youth Authority, law enforcement agencies, and the courts.
The purpose of officially launching the SILEP is to:
– Roll out sign language education in basic and secondary schools as well as Tertiary Institutions within the Municipality and beyond.
– Facilitate sign language education for teachers, health personnel, court workers, law enforcement agencies, financial institutions, amongst others, within the municipality.
– Provide a platform for stakeholder collaboration and funding to promote sign language education, interpretation and equal opportunities for the Deaf and hard of hearing.
Speaking at the launch, SILANEM CEO, Richmond Baidoo, passionately declared, ‘By enhancing the teaching and learning of Sign Language, we can unlock immense potential within the Deaf community.’
He urged all stakeholders to recognise the inherent abilities and talents within the Deaf community and to actively support initiatives that empower them to thrive.
He highlighted some achievements of the Deaf Community such as Mr. Juventus Dourinaah (Esq) – becoming Ghana’s First Deaf Lawyer assisted by two Interpreters and Prof. Wisdom Kwadwo Mprah – Ghana’s first Deaf Professor, KNUST.
Established in 2019, SILANEM’s vision is to become a pacesetter for promoting an inclusive society, nurturing talents, and improving the living conditions of Deaf people within the society, through advocacy, Sign Language services, entrepreneurial, and skills training for the Deaf community.
SOURCE: DisabilityNewsGH.com
