The Executive Director of ANOPA Project, Ernest Appiah, has called on the government, the Ghana Education Service (GES) and other stakeholders to intensify efforts to promote disability inclusion in sports, particularly in schools and communities.
He stressed that meaningful inclusion must go beyond providing children with disabilities access to sporting facilities and opportunities to participate.
He explained that it must rather ensure that every child enjoys dignity, equal opportunities, a sense of belonging and the opportunity to contribute to decisions about the sporting activities in which they engage.
“Access is not participation, and participation is not necessarily inclusion,” Mr Appiah said. He made the remarks at a disability inclusion in sport workshop organised by ANOPA Project in partnership with the RYTHM Foundation on October 28, 2026.
Held at GNAT Hall in Cape Coast, the workshop brought together 30 teachers from the six circuits of the Cape Coast Metropolis.
Facilitated by Dr Kwadwo Owusu of the University of Cape Coast, the training focused on practical approaches to adapting sporting activities, equipment and teaching methods to accommodate students with hearing impairments, visual impairments and intellectual disabilities.
It also equipped participating teachers with strategies to promote equal opportunities and create inclusive sporting environments where every child, regardless of ability, can participate meaningfully and feel valued.
Mr Appiah further emphasised the importance of involving children with disabilities in decisions concerning the design and delivery of sporting activities. He urged stakeholders to make disability inclusion a shared responsibility and an integral part of school and community sports programmes.
The Special Education Coordinator, Madam Salamatu Gausu, expressed appreciation for the workshop and commended ANOPA Project for the initiative.
ANOPA Project also acknowledged the support of the Ghana Education Service, particularly the Metropolitan Physical Education Coordinator, Mr Eric Otoo, and Madam Gausu for their contributions towards the successful organisation of the workshop.
The organisation further expressed appreciation to the RYTHM Foundation, Dr Owusu and the participating teachers for their commitment to advancing inclusive sporting opportunities for children with disabilities.
ANOPA Project uses sport for development to promote education, empowerment and social inclusion in Ghana. Through its disability inclusion initiatives, the organisation brings children with and without disabilities together, challenges stigma and encourages meaningful participation.
Its work also encompasses educational support, vocational training and community awareness programmes aimed at supporting vulnerable children and young people.
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