Make Sign Language Compulsory in Senior High Schools — Nortsu Kotoe Urges GES and MoE
The Chairman of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Education, Peter Nortsu Kotoe, has called on the Ghana Education Service (GES) and the Ministry of Education (MoE) to make sign language a compulsory subject in all Senior High Schools (SHSs) across the country.
He made this suggestion after witnessing the impressive performances of students of the Sonrise Christian High School (SCHOSA) during the school’s 20th anniversary and prize-giving ceremony held in Ho in the Volta Region last Saturday.
At SCHOSA, sign language is a compulsory course for all students — a policy Mr. Nortsu Kotoe praised as a model worth replicating nationwide. “Just imagine how beneficial it would be to have a medical officer who can fluently communicate with deaf and dumb patients without the help of an interpreter,” he said.
He explained that making sign language compulsory would not only foster inclusivity and communication but also help train professionals who can serve persons with disabilities effectively in various sectors.
The event, which showcased SCHOSA’s excellence and innovation, also provided a platform for Mr. Nortsu Kotoe — who is the Member of Parliament for Akatsi North — to highlight broader educational priorities. He noted that Ghanaian society had reached a stage where entrepreneurship and self-employment had become essential for national progress, urging students to focus on building employable skills and creating opportunities rather than solely seeking white-collar jobs.
He commended Sonrise Christian High School for planning to establish a technical and vocational department to provide students with practical training and hands-on experience. “It has been a long time since we departed from the idea of getting employed to becoming an employer,” he said.
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The MP also lauded the contribution of private Senior High Schools to Ghana’s education system, describing them as valuable partners in expanding access and improving academic quality. He noted that some private SHSs had outperformed public schools in recent years, producing top candidates in the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
He further commended SCHOSA for maintaining a strong record of discipline and integrity, as it has never been implicated in examination malpractice. He advised students to concentrate on their studies and shun the “get-rich-quick” mindset, reminding them that education remains the surest path to lasting success.
The Founder and Administrator of SCHOSA, Joseph Dzamesi, also shared the school’s inspiring journey. Established on October 3, 2005, with just 135 students, 11 staff members, eight classrooms, and a makeshift dining hall, SCHOSA has grown into one of the Volta Region’s most respected private institutions. He said the school — founded under the Church of Christ — continues to produce disciplined, high-achieving graduates serving in various sectors across Ghana and abroad.
Mr. Dzamesi expressed gratitude to staff, parents, and students for their contributions to the school’s success, affirming SCHOSA’s commitment to holistic education grounded in faith, discipline, and service to humanity.
Mr. Nortsu Kotoe’s proposal has since sparked public interest, with many education stakeholders welcoming the idea of making sign language a compulsory subject to promote inclusion and equality in Ghana’s education system.
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