The Conference of Heads of Special Schools (COHESS) has held its 42nd Annual Workshop with a strong call for government and stakeholders to urgently expand infrastructure in special education institutions across the country.
The event, held under the theme “Inclusive Education in Ghana: The Role of Special Schools”, brought together educators, policymakers, and advocates to deliberate on pressing challenges confronting special needs education.
Speaking at the gathering, Chairperson of COHESS, Madam Rosaline Frimpomaa Adjepong, stressed the urgent need to tackle congestion in existing facilities, noting that the rising number of children with special needs is outpacing available infrastructure.
“Our schools are overstretched,” she said. “Children with disabilities are being denied access to education simply because there is no space to accommodate them. We cannot talk about inclusive education without first addressing the physical barriers.”
Ghana’s disability statistics paint a concerning picture. Over 2 million people aged five and above — about 8% of the population — live with some form of disability. Visual impairment remains the most common, while more than 150,000 individuals live with severe to profound disabilities. Females are more affected than males, and access to education remains a major challenge.
According to data referenced at the conference, 35,609 persons with disabilities in Ghana have never attended school, pointing to significant gaps in accessibility and inclusion. Even more alarming is the fact that five regions, including North East, Bono, Western North, Savanna, and Oti, still lack special education facilities altogether.
Madam Helena Mensah, Director of the Special Education Division at the Ghana Education Service (GES), acknowledged the challenges and called on school heads to lead efforts in changing societal perceptions about disability.
“We need to continue raising awareness to reduce stigma,” she said. “Inclusive education is not just about infrastructure, it’s also about ensuring every child feels accepted and supported. GES remains committed to providing the necessary backing to schools and improving conditions for both learners and staff.”
The workshop provided a platform for participants to share best practices, forge strategies to strengthen inclusive education, and advocate for regional equity in special needs services. As the country pushes forward with inclusive education reforms, COHESS says it will continue to champion the cause of children with disabilities until “no child is left behind.”
By Bawa Musah
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