Vice-President Applauds the Strength of Mothers Raising Special Needs Children
Vice-President honours the courage of mothers caring for children with autism
Vice-President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has deeply commended mothers and caregivers of children with autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions.
Visibly moved, she described these women as the unsung heroes behind many children’s progress. According to her, these mothers carry immense emotional and financial burdens with strength and grace.
Speaking during a surprise visit to GTBank Ghana’s Annual Autism Workshop and Consultation held at the University of Professional Studies in Accra, she affirmed:
“I’ve been an advocate all my life. I understand the daily struggles parents face and I admire their courage.”
From policy to compassion: A lifelong autism advocate reconnects
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang toured the autism awareness clinics, interacted with doctors, and offered encouragement to families.
While serving as Minister of Education, she developed several policies to support children with learning difficulties. She expressed hope that these frameworks continue to guide inclusive learning today.
“Supporting these children isn’t charity—it’s justice,” she told a group of parents gathered for one-on-one consultations.
GTBank praised for making autism support accessible to more families
The Vice-President commended GTBank Ghana for their sustained autism awareness efforts, now in their fourth year. She said their consistent commitment reflects a clear vision for inclusion and community well-being.
Agnes Owusu-Afram, GTBank’s Divisional Head of Corporate Communication and Experience, welcomed the Vice-President warmly.
“This cause is close to our hearts. Through this, we hope to touch more lives every year,” she said.
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang was guided through the consultation cubicles, play areas, and parent waiting zones, where she met professionals offering personalised support.
A holistic approach: medical experts empower caregivers
Over the four-day event, GTBank hosted a diverse team of speech therapists, behavioural specialists, occupational therapists, and mental health professionals from Ghana and abroad.
These specialists trained caregivers to manage the needs of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) more effectively.
The theme, “Empowering Voices for Autism,” underlined the event’s goal: to ensure no child is left behind due to lack of understanding or resources.
Take-home message: support, not sympathy
The Vice-President’s visit was more than ceremonial—it was a powerful gesture of solidarity with parents navigating autism every day.
She reminded Ghanaians that inclusivity starts with awareness and policies must always translate into action.
“Their struggle is not theirs alone. It is our collective responsibility to build a society where every child thrives.”
