By Daniel Bampoe
Member of Parliament for Akuapem North, Sammi Awuku, has used the opening of the Second Meeting of the First Session of the Nineth Parliament to put the spotlight on the need for greater inclusivity for the Deaf community in the country’s legislative processes.
In a reflective and passionate statement shared after the event, Awuku recounted the profound impact made by a visit from students of Mampong Senior High School for the Deaf, who were special guests during the ceremonial opening.
Their presence, he noted, brought renewed energy to the parliamentary session and served as a powerful reminder of the responsibilities lawmakers carry toward every Ghanaian—especially marginalized groups.
During the engagement, Sammi Awuku, together with fellow MPs Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah, Fred Agbenyo, Eric Edem Agbana, and Sheila Kyei, led an interactive session on the workings of Parliament.
They walked the students through the stages of how a bill becomes law and highlighted the role of Parliament in safeguarding citizens’ rights.
Sammi Awuku described the moment as not just an educational opportunity, but a moment of introspection.
“It left me reflecting deeply on how our laws are designed to protect all citizens, and how we can ensure that our Deaf community fully benefits from these laws—especially when their means of being heard are limited,” he stated.
From Access to Empowerment
The Akuapem North MP called the occasion a “call to action” for policymakers, civil society, and institutions to work collaboratively toward building a more inclusive Ghana.
While Ghana’s legal framework provides for equality, advocates have long argued that persons with disabilities, particularly the Deaf community, face systemic barriers in accessing public information, education, healthcare, and legal recourse. Issues such as the absence of sign language interpreters in hospitals, courts, and even some schools continue to widen the gap in participation.
Sammi Awuku’s appeal speaks directly to this national challenge, urging that inclusion must not only be a legal principle, but a lived reality.
