Ghana's disability community, especially those with hearing impairment, are facing a major hurdle due to a shortage of sign language interpreters in public and private institutions.

This concern was highlighted by the Planned Parenthood Association of Ghana (PPAG) at its 3-day workshop held for students of Ashanti School for the Deaf and Blind at Jamasi in the Sekyere South District of the Ashanti Region.

The event was part of the Empower Health Project, supported by Global Affairs Canada (GAC), focused on training Peer educators in inclusive schools.

Youth Programs Officer at PPAG, Maxwell Ayamba, observed that the lack of sign language interpreters in public and private institutions is a significant barrier for persons with hearing impairment seeking essential services.

He pointed out that many sign language users in the country lack formal education, which means they struggle to understand and use formal sign language effectively.

This communication gap, he said, can lead to misunderstandings and exclusion, especially in formal settings like healthcare and education.

He emphasised that addressing this issue requires immediate attention, and PPAG's Empower Health Project aims to contribute by training peer educators to promote inclusivity.

Mr Ayamba also made a strong case for a national policy and educational reforms to help eliminate the communication barrier.

He urged the government to prioritise filling this gap, ensuring equal access to services for persons with disabilities.

He urged Ghanaians to see people with disabilities as unique individuals with their own strengths and contributions, rather than defining them by their disabilities.

"Let's ditch the discrimination and segregation, and instead, embrace inclusivity and understanding. By doing so, we can create a more compassionate society where everyone has opportunities to thrive", he concluded.

The Director of Social Welfare and Community Development for the Kwabre East Municipal Assembly, Stephen Atta Gyamfi, called on the government to set up incentives for individuals willing to learn sign language interpretation, as well as for their teachers or trainers.

He says this will boost the number of sign language interpreters in Ghana's institutions.

He also called for the establishment of a motivational package for people who are willing to learn sign language interpretation and their trainers.

This move, he believes, will be a game-changer in bridging the interpreter gap, especially in institutions like hospitals and schools, making services more accessible to Ghana's persons with disabilities community.

"Sign language interpreters are needed in hospitals, courts, banks, and other institutions, but they're in short supply," he said.

"It's a challenge to find people willing to learn sign language, and the few trained interpreters we have are leaving the country for greener pastures due to lack of incentives".

Esther Berko, head of primary school at the Ashanti School for Deaf and Blind, noted that parents with hearing-impaired children are mostly learning sign language from their kids instead of the other way around.

She revealed that the institution launched an initiative to help parents learn formal sign language, so they could better communicate with their kids, but unfortunately, it did not generate much enthusiasm among the parents.

She therefore pleaded with families to grab any opportunity that comes their way to learn sign language, emphasizing it is the best way to connect, bond, and communicate effectively with their family members.