Kufuor calls for use of sign language at workplaces

Former President John Agyekum Kufuor has called on all institutions to imbibe the act of using sign language at their workplaces to close the gap between the hearing impaired citizens of the country.

He said there is the need for an all-inclusive working environment that would ensure that the hearing impaired are supported to showcase their talents and capabilities.

The Former President said this on Wednesday when a delegation from the Supreme Sign Institute paid a courtesy call on him at his residence.

He said without communication people lose their identity, are marginalised and divided as language is what binds societies together.

Mr Kufuor congratulated the Founder of the school for coming up with such an initiative since it plays a central role all over the world and of much importance towards the development of the nation.

“This would improve communication in a great deal as it encompasses all spheres of human existence as far as disability is concern.”

He advised heads of institutions not to deny such people employment as there are sign language directors who could help them understand what goes on at the work place.

Mr Newell Agbe, Executive Director of Supreme Sign Institute, said there is the need for every institution to have someone who could make the sign language to encourage the deaf to patronise such places.

Mr Agbe mentioned that it is easy to learn the signs and thus called on institutions such as the faith-based organisations, Ghana Revenue Authority, Ghana National Fire Service, National Disaster Management Organisation, National Commission on Civic Education, Association of Banking Institutions and Ghana Journalists Association.

The rest are the Judicial Service, Disease Control Outfits, Ministry of Tourism and Culture, Ghana Immigration Service, Artisans Associations and Parents of Deaf Children to institute the use of sign language to attract more of such people.

He said these institutions are at the fore-front of delivering service to the deaf and as such it is important for them to know basic sign language that would enable them deal effectively with the hearing impaired citizens of the country.