The State of Inclusive Education in Ghana, West Africa

In the past, disability in Ghana has been narrowly defined; little attention has been given to the general discriminatory practices and experiences that persons with disability encounter. This study aimed to gather baseline information for use in developing recommendations to influence national policy and impact the lives of persons with intellectual disability. The authors collected data through interviews with 122 participants including parents, their children with disabilities, and community leaders. The authors submit evidence that persons with intellectual disability, children and parents, face numerous life challenges including stigmatization, discrimination, and exclusion in overt and covert aspects of life. There is a need for more awareness and effective governmental response to improve the quality of life of persons with intellectual disability.