The Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS), Lieutenant General William Agyapong, has launched the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) Special Needs Centre building project at Burma Hall in Burma Camp.
The launch forms part of activities by the Ghana Armed Forces to mark World Autism Awareness Month.
Speaking at the event, the Chief of Staff at the General Headquarters, Air Vice Marshal Joshua Lartei Mensah-Larkai, said the initiative presents an opportunity not only to raise awareness of autism but also to promote meaningful conversations that strengthen support systems for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families.
He noted that many families raising children with autism face unique challenges, particularly in accessing specialised services, suitable learning environments, and broader social understanding.
In response, he said the Ghana Armed Forces has taken steps to establish the Special Needs Centre to help address these gaps.
The proposed facility, to be constructed by All Needs Development, will include 42 accessible classrooms, staff offices, recreational spaces, an administration block, and specialised therapeutic units.
Services to be offered will include speech and language therapy, behavioural interventions, psychological assessment, and counselling.
He further revealed that the Dzorwulu Special School was visited as part of the project’s assessment phase and benchmarked against the Spectrum Academy of Utah in the United States.
This comparison helped inform a comprehensive architectural design for the centre.
The Spectrum Academy is also expected to provide technical support and management guidance upon completion of the facility.
The Guest of Honour, Mr. Ato Brown, said the theme “Celebrate Differences” underscores the importance of recognising diversity in thinking, learning, communication, and interaction not as a weakness, but as a strength that enriches society.
He described the project as a visionary step towards building a more inclusive and supportive environment that promotes opportunity and growth.
The Director of Mental Health at GAF Health Services, Dr. Erica Danfrekua Dickson, highlighted the characteristics, strengths, and talents of individuals with neurodiversity conditions.
She encouraged personnel to be more accommodating and to help eliminate stigma through continuous awareness and education.
The Special Guest, Ms. Serwah Quaynor, called on organisations and security services to actively support autism awareness initiatives and the development of the centre, stressing that collective effort is essential to ensure children with special needs receive the care, education, and opportunities they deserve.
The event also featured a fundraising appeal, with the military high command leading donations of GH₡500,000.00, while troops and partner organisations also contributed significantly toward the project.
By 1960news.com
