The Vice President, Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, has called on Ghanaians to end all forms of discrimination against children with special needs and promote their full inclusion in national development.
She emphasised that children with special needs possess unique talents and abilities that must be recognised and nurtured, rather than ignored or marginalised.
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang made the appeal on Friday, February 20, when she joined pupils of the New Horizon Special School for their 2026 Fun Day and Games celebration.
“It’s all about recognising the differences we have. And it’s about looking at all the differences and bringing them together, almost like cloth weavers. They bring all the strands together, and it is when they are all together that the pattern comes out,” she said.
According to the Vice President, true national progress depends on creating an inclusive society where every child, regardless of their physical or intellectual condition, is given the opportunity to thrive.
She commended the management of the school, as well as parents and caregivers, for their unwavering dedication to the welfare and development of the children. She praised the institution for incorporating sports and physical activities into its programmes, noting that such initiatives contribute significantly to the pupils’ health, confidence and overall well-being.
The Fun Day and Games event featured various sporting and recreational activities, showcasing the enthusiasm and abilities of the pupils.
As part of her support, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang donated 50 boxes of soap and several boxes of sanitary pads to the school to aid in its operations and promote hygiene among the pupils.
She reiterated the need for sustained public awareness and collective responsibility in ensuring that children with special needs are treated with dignity, respect and equal opportunity.
