The Ghana National Association for the Deaf (GNAD) continues to champion inclusivity and equal opportunities for the Deaf community. A major step in this ongoing effort was the recent Kumasi Octagonal Analysis and Outcomes Harvest Workshop, where key stakeholders gathered to assess the impact of GNAD’s initiatives and plan future strategies.
Held at the Senator Hotel in Kumasi, the workshop aimed to reevaluate the progress of GNAD’s projects, review organizational strengths and weaknesses, and explore opportunities in its partnership with DDL, set to conclude in December 2028. This critical reassessment comes as GNAD transitions from a project-based approach to a programmatic one, ensuring that all partners, regardless of age or tenure, are considered equally—especially in light of budgetary constraints. The last octagonal analysis was conducted in 2022, and given the changes since then, this workshop was essential.
Since 2019, GNAD has achieved significant milestones through various projects. However, many of these accomplishments have been underreported, or their impact was not fully demonstrated with tangible evidence. The workshop provided an excellent opportunity to consolidate these outcomes and document the organization’s achievements in a compelling and impactful manner, ensuring that GNAD’s contributions are properly recognized.
Key Achievements from the Workshop:
- Comprehensive Octagonal Analysis
Stakeholders utilized the Octagonal Analysis tool to assess GNAD’s progress in key areas:
– Identity: Reassessing the core values, mission, and vision of the organization, ensuring they are understood by all stakeholders.
– Structure: Evaluating the roles, responsibilities, and communication channels within the organization’s hierarchy.
– Implementation: Reviewing how effectively plans and strategies are being executed.
– Relevance of Activities: Ensuring that GNAD’s initiatives align with the organization’s overall goals and meet the needs of its beneficiaries.
– Professional Skills: Assessing whether the staff possesses the necessary skills and competencies.
– Systems: Reviewing internal processes, procedures, and technological tools that support operations.
– Acceptance and Support: Examining how well GNAD’s initiatives are embraced by its stakeholders.
– External Relations: Evaluating GNAD’s relationships with external partners and government entities.
2. Key Outcomes and Success Stories:
– Sustainable Livelihoods for Sign Language Instructors: Between 2023 and 2024, 9 out of 19 Sign Language instructors established 7 training centers, improving their economic prospects.
– Increased Support for Deaf People: From 2021 to 2024, 9 out of 21 Sign Language Interpreters (SLIs) who graduated from UCC’s diploma course have significantly enhanced support for Deaf individuals in various sectors. Notably, in August 2024, Parliament began incorporating SLIs during sessions.
– Capacity Building for Deaf Associations: Through the “Stronger After the Pandemic” project, GNAD has supported Deaf Associations in Niger, Mali, Togo, and Ivory Coast to secure independent funding and establish their own offices.
– Access to Mental Health Information: From 2022 to 2023, GNAD developed mental health-related vocabulary to facilitate better communication between Deaf individuals and health professionals.
– Sexual Health Education: In 2024, GNAD trained 20 peer educators on sexual and reproductive health in four regions, empowering them to share their knowledge within their communities.
This workshop was a vital step in GNAD’s mission to strengthen the Deaf community and ensure that its efforts are not only impactful but sustainable for years to come.
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