The Most Def Foundation has organised what it describes as Ghana’s first conference dedicated exclusively to deaf students, bringing together 130 young people, educators, traditional leaders, business executives and health professionals to discuss education, employment and inclusion.
The conference, held at the Mampong Secondary Technical School for the Deaf on June 20, was organised under the theme, “Inclusive Knowledge, Equal Opportunities: Harnessing the Value of Deaf Youth in Society.”
Founder of the Most Def Foundation, Franka-Maria Andoh, described the event as a historic milestone for Ghana’s deaf community.
“It is the first ever conference to be held in Ghana specifically for deaf students,” she said.
The conference featured keynote speaker Edward Annan, founder of Passion Air, who encouraged the students to pursue their ambitions despite the challenges associated with hearing impairment.
He urged them not to allow their circumstances to define their future but to remain curious, seek knowledge and continue dreaming.
In a major announcement, Mr Annan pledged to sponsor the university education of the first 12 students who attain the highest academic grades.
The Headmistress of the Mampong Secondary Technical School for the Deaf, Philomena Kakra Buckman, welcomed participants and commended the Most Def Foundation for organising what she described as a landmark event for deaf education in Ghana.
Ms Andoh said the foundation was established in 2019 after she was inspired by a speech from former inmate and author Shaka Senghor, who spoke about how society often wastes human potential.
She said the message reminded her of her niece, Jessica, a former student of the Cape Coast School for the Deaf and Blind who later earned degrees from Gallaudet University and the Wharton Business School in the United States.
According to her, the experience raised questions about how many equally talented deaf children in Ghana lacked the resources and opportunities to realise their potential.
Since its establishment, the Most Def Foundation has organised camps for deaf students, exposing them to creative arts, fashion, agriculture, culinary arts, and civic education while providing opportunities to showcase their talents.
During this year’s conference, participants attended breakout sessions on access to higher education, employment, entrepreneurship, and family and community support.
Students discussed scholarship opportunities, common funds and other financial support mechanisms that could help them continue their education after secondary school.
The discussions also highlighted employment opportunities, with Josie’s Cuppa Cappuccino cited as a business that has trained and employed Ghana’s first deaf barista.
Participants also shared experiences of social isolation, saying they often felt overlooked within their own families and communities, where hearing siblings were sometimes given greater attention and opportunities.
The entrepreneurship session, facilitated by portrait photographer Benjamin Adu, guided students through the practical steps involved in establishing a small business using a case-study approach.
Organisers said the conference was designed to give deaf students a platform to express their aspirations, concerns and ideas while creating opportunities for policymakers, educators, employers and philanthropists to better understand how to support them.
The event was powered by Passion Air and supported by organisations including SSNIT, Dorothy’s Hope Inc., Funky African and Hillburi. Sponsors also provided lunch for the entire school community.
