The government is working on a Ghanaian Sign Language curriculum aimed at supporting students with hearing impairments, Minister of Education Haruna Iddrisu has announced.

Speaking at the inauguration of the 19-member Governing Council of the Ghana Education Service (GES) in Accra, Mr. Iddrisu explained that the initiative is part of broader efforts to make education more inclusive for students with disabilities.

“In addition, we are developing a Ghanaian Sign Language curriculum for disabled persons to ensure that instructions for students who are deaf or have hearing issues will be supported,” he said.

The minister also disclosed that the government is in the process of developing a mathematics curriculum tailored for visually impaired senior high school students. This move, he noted, is intended to enable blind students to continue studying mathematics and pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

As part of the ceremony, Mr. Iddrisu administered the oath of office and secrecy to members of the new GES council. He emphasized that the council’s responsibility goes beyond policy management and should contribute meaningfully to transforming lives and positioning Ghana’s human capital to compete globally.

He challenged the council to collaborate with stakeholders to formulate the country’s first digital education policy by 2026. “The policy,” he said, “would define how to mainstream ICT and make it integral to the development of the people, beginning from kindergarten to senior high school.”

Addressing broader concerns in the education sector, the minister called for swift action to improve safety in schools and curb rising cases of indiscipline. He urged the council to strengthen school inspections and enforce order across institutions.

Mr. Iddrisu also raised concern about the quality of food served to students under government programmes and urged the council to act urgently. He recommended that internal audits be conducted to tighten oversight on food distribution in schools.

Additionally, the minister announced that a government-appointed committee is reviewing the teacher licensing exams to ensure improvements without compromising quality.

On infrastructure, he assured that investments would be made to eliminate the double-track system in schools.

Prof Mawutor Avoke, Chairman of the newly inaugurated GES Governing Council, expressed appreciation to President John Mahama for the confidence shown in the team. He promised that the council would diligently execute its mandate and contribute to revamping Ghana’s education system.

The council includes prominent education stakeholders such as Dr. Rosemond Wilson, Head of the National Office of WAEC; Prof. Azeko Tahiru Salifu, Director-General of the National Schools Inspectorate Authority; Mr. Adam Adu Marshall from the National Teaching Council; Prof. Yayra Dzakadzie, Director-General of the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment; and Right Rev. Paa Solomon Grant-Essilfie, representing teacher associations.

In a related development, the minister also inaugurated a 10-member Governing Council for the University of Education, Winneba. Chaired by retired Justice Jacob Charles Amonoo-Monney, the council is expected to steer the university's governance and promote effective institutional leadership