Ghana explores centre of excellence for hearing, communication and cochlear implant care

Ghana is exploring the establishment of a Centre of Excellence for Hearing, Communication and Cochlear Implant Care to expand access to specialist hearing services and strengthen local healthcare capacity. The proposed centre would bring together services including hearing screening, diagnosis, ear, nose and throat (ENT) care, audiology, hearing technology, cochlear implant services, speech and language therapy, rehabilitation, family support and research. The proposal was discussed at a meeting involving Ambassador Victor Emmanuel Smith; Emilio Alonso Mendoza, president of the Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (AG Bell); Roxana Semorile, president of Semorile Holdings, LLC; and Maabena Webb, executive director of Region17. Participants emphasised that the proposed centre should be Ghanaian-led and complement existing health and academic institutions rather than replace them.