Ghana National Gas Company has marked the International Day for Persons with Disabilities by donating 133 desktop computers to seven inclusive Senior High Schools (SHSs) across the country.
The donation of the desktop computers to seven inclusive SHSs was part of the commitment to providing quality educational equipment to the Ghanaian child and to demonstrate the readiness of the board, CEO and the management of the company to supporting the education sector.
The seven beneficiary inclusive SHSs are Okuapeman SHS, Wenchi Methodist SHS, Wa Methodist SHS, Ghana National College and Adidome SHS.
The rest are Mawuli SHS and Sirigu Integrated SHS.
The Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Ghana National Gas Company Limited, George Wireko-Brobby, affirmed the gas company’s commitment to support the educational sector.
“We believe that, inclusive development is not merely an act of chance, it is a human right of imperative,” he said.
“This initiative is a powerful affirmation of our belief in the proudness of potentials of persons with disabilities.
“When provided with the right tool and opportunities, it is our hope that these tools will empower them not just to succeed in their education but rather to emerge as visionary leaders who will shape their futures and contribute meaningful to our nations progress.”
He added: “In today’s digital age, technology is not a luxury but rather a necessity and for students of visual impairments, technology becomes even more critical, acting as a bridge to knowledge, skill development and independence.”
Headmaster of Okuapeman SHS Rev. Richard Afari commended the gas company for the kind gesture to give to PWDs as the world marked International Day of Persons with Disability.
According to him, the desktop computers donated by the gas company demonstrate that the gas company is far more than a corporate entity, adding that through these various initiatives, Ghana Gas has consistently shown its dedication to national development.
“The computers will serve as a call to action for all of us. It is a call to traditional leaders, educators, policy makers and corporate entities to continue investing in education.
“While we celebrate this milestone, it is vital to reflect on the broader issues for our educational system. Quality education is indispensable but demand a collective effort.
“Teachers must be empowered, infrastructure must be improved, and communities must come together to wholeheartedly support our schools,” he charged.
Ghana Gas’s Corporate Social Responsibility Senior Officer, Isaac Ansah, who doubles as the Disability Liaison Officer, recounted the challenges facing persons with disabilities in various schools in Ghana and charged them to be focused despite the difficulties and challenges.
“Persons with disability usually face various challenges in Ghana,” he said, addressing education inequality.
“These challenges significantly impact their academic pursuit, career aspirations and overall wellbeing.
“These negative attitudes towards persons with disabilities worsen their already difficult situation in the Ghanaian societies and, therefore, parents, educators and the society at large have low expectations about the capabilities of persons with disability making it more difficult to access quality education and employment opportunities in Ghana.”
Other dignitaries who graced the occasion included the Omanhene of Akuapem, Oseadeeyo Kwasi Akuffo III, the Ghana Federations of Disability, Akuapem North Municipal Chief Executive, traditional leaders, Nifahene, the representative of the Akuapemanhene, educationalists, teachers among others.
By Romeo Oduro
