H.E. Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia Supports UG’s Centre for Disability Studies and Advocacy

H.E. Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Vice-President of the Republic of Ghana, has donated 12 brand new computers and 50 white canes to the University of Ghana's Centre for Disability Studies and Advocacy (CEDSA). The items provided are to support students with special needs with their education and welfare. 

Nana Akwasi Awuah Esq., representing the Vice-President, indicated that this gesture was made in response to the Centre's requests during a previous visit. He also used the opportunity to remind the Centre of the Vice-President's pledge to make tertiary education free for all Ghanaian students with disabilities.

Dean of Student Affairs, Prof. Rosina Kyerematen, thanked the benefactors for the kind gesture and stated that the items donated will go a long way to help students with special needs and enhance their experiences on campus.

She added that, ‘the University of Ghana is the only University in Ghana that has a centre dedicated to the welfare of students with special needs. The Office of Students with Special Needs has now been upgraded into a Centre, so we will be embarking on more projects and research on disability studies. We thank you for buying into the concept, that you don’t have to be made redundant because you have a special need. The fact that you are disabled does not mean you don’t have the ability to contribute productively to society.”

She urged the students to make good use of the items provided and explore other opportunities that are made available to them in the University.

Hon. Lydia Seyram Alhassan, MP for Ayawaso West Wuogon Constituency, who presented the items to the Centre, emphasised the importance of diversity and inclusivity in the provision of quality education.

“Each one of you has unique abilities, strengths and dreams and it is our responsibility to ensure that you have the resources and support you need to unlock your full potentials”, she said.

Dr. Peter Ndaa, Director of CEDSA in receiving the items, thanked the delegation and called for additional funding to enable the Centre expand to achieve its impact. He mentioned, plans of setting up a smart classroom. He also highlighted the Centre’s plans to introduce advocacy initiatives and programmes with courses in disability studies, as part of their future actions.

Also present at the brief ceremony were Kudese Foster, President of the Campus Association for Students with Special Needs, staff, students with special needs as well as representatives from the Vice-President’s team.