ANOPA Project calls for greater disability inclusion in sports

The Executive Director of ANOPA Project has called on the government, the Ghana Education Service and other stakeholders to work together to advance disability inclusion in sports in Ghana.

He said meaningful inclusion must go beyond giving children with disabilities access to sporting facilities or opportunities to participate. It must also ensure dignity, equity, a sense of belonging and the opportunity to shape the games they play.

“Access is not participation, and participation is not necessarily inclusion,” he said.

He made the call during a workshop on disability inclusion in sports organised by ANOPA Project in partnership with the RYTHM Foundation on October 28, 2026. The workshop brought together 30 teachers from across the six circuits of the Cape Coast Metropolis.

Facilitated by Dr Kwadwo Owusu of the University of Cape Coast, the workshop explored practical ways to adapt sporting activities, equipment and teaching methods to support students with hearing impairments, visual impairments and intellectual disabilities.

The training focused on promoting participation and equal opportunities, equipping teachers to create sporting environments where every child feels valued and has a place in the game.

The Executive Director emphasised that children with disabilities should have a voice in how sporting activities are designed and delivered. He urged stakeholders to make inclusion a shared priority in school and community sport.

ANOPA Project expressed appreciation to the Ghana Education Service, particularly the Metropolitan Physical Education Coordinator, Mr Eric Otoo, and the Special Education Coordinator, Madam Salamatu Gausu, for supporting the initiative.

The organisation also thanked the RYTHM Foundation, Dr Owusu and the participating teachers for their commitment to creating inclusive playing fields for all children.