The Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS), Lieutenant General William Agyapong, has inaugurated the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) Special Needs Centre project at Burma Hall, Burma Camp, as part of activities commemorating World Autism Awareness Month. The initiative seeks to expand access to specialised care and education for children on the autism spectrum, with a particular focus on military families and the wider Ghanaian community.
At the launch, Chief of Staff at the General Headquarters, Air Vice Marshal Joshua Lartei Mensah-Larkai, emphasised that the project represents more than just infrastructure, highlighting its importance in advancing awareness and inclusion. “This launch offers an opportunity not only to raise awareness but also to foster meaningful dialogue that strengthens support systems for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families,” he stated. He further noted that many families continue to grapple with limited access to specialised services, suitable learning environments, and broader social understanding.
“As such, GAF has responded to this societal need by initiating the move to establish the GAF Special Needs Centre,” he said. The facility, to be constructed by All Needs Development, will include 42 accessible classrooms, staff offices, recreational areas, an administration block, and specialised therapeutic units.
Services to be offered at the centre will include speech and language therapy, behavioural interventions, psychological assessments, and counselling.
To ensure international standards, GAF undertook a benchmarking exercise, visiting the Dzorwulu Special School and drawing insights from the Spectrum Academy of Utah in the United States. The academy is expected to provide technical and management support when the facility is completed. Guest of Honour, Mr Ato Brown, underscored the importance of embracing diversity under the theme “Celebrate Differences.”
“Diversity in how people think, learn, communicate and interact should not be considered as weakness in society. Instead, it should be celebrated as a strength that enriches our communities,” he said. He described the project as “a visionary step toward creating a supportive and inclusive environment that fosters opportunities for growth.”
Director of Mental Health at GAF Health Services, Dr Erica Danfrekua Dickson, highlighted the strengths and talents of individuals with neurodiverse conditions and called for greater acceptance. She urged personnel to help eliminate stigma and promote continuous awareness of autism and related conditions.
Special guest Ms Serwah Quaynor also called on organisations and security agencies to support the initiative. “Collective efforts are essential to ensure that children with special needs receive the care, education and opportunities they deserve,” she said. To kickstart the project, the military high command led a fundraising drive with a donation of GH₵500,000, with additional contributions from troops and partners.
Source: Bernard Ralph Adams
