Keith Aboagye Ofosuhene, a staff member of Koforidua Technical University and a member of the National Association for Sign Language Interpreters Ghana (NASLIG), is set to undertake a 168-hour Sign Language Reading Marathon.
Ofosuhene, who is also an active member of the Church of Christ in Koforidua, aims to raise awareness about the significance of sign language and its impact on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community.
The marathon will take place in Koforidua, with specific dates and venue details to be announced soon.
This event is poised to be a significant milestone in promoting inclusivity and understanding within the community.
“This marathon is more than an endurance challenge; it is a celebration of the beauty and importance of sign language,” said Ofosuhene. “I invite everyone to join me in this extraordinary journey, whether you are fluent in sign language or eager to learn more about it.”
Community members, supporters, and sign language enthusiasts are encouraged to follow the updates on the event and find ways to participate or support this historic endeavor.
In Ghana, 470,737 people have some degree of hearing loss according to the 2021 Population and Housing Census. Out of this figure, it is estimated that over 211,000 are Deaf and Hard of Hearing who choose from a number of sign languages, with the Ghanaian Sign Language (GhSL) as the primary mode of communication.
According to the Ghana National Association of the Deaf (GNAD), the lack of knowledge and understanding of deafness and sign language at all levels can be a serious issue.
Research has shown that it can lead to the ostracization of Deaf individuals, preventing them from achieving important developmental milestones such as acquiring a language, especially for Deaf children.
Language is of utmost importance to Deaf people, especially Deaf children, as it plays a crucial role in their overall development, communication, and educational success. Research shows that more than 90% of Deaf children are born to hearing parents and caregivers in Ghana.
However, a high number of parents and caregivers of the Deaf lack knowledge and understanding of deafness and sign language.
Parents’ and society’s lack of knowledge and understanding of deafness and sign language can create significant challenges for Deaf individuals and the Deaf community.
The lack of knowledge and understanding of sign language among the general public creates communication barriers, limiting their ability to effectively communicate, express their needs, and regularly engage in social interactions.
This can lead to misunderstanding, exclusion, and a sense of isolation for these Deaf individuals in various settings, including education, healthcare, and employment.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Obed Ansah
