Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States, Victor Emmanuel Smith, hosted a productive meeting at the Embassy of Ghana with Emilio Alonso Mendoza, J.D., CFRE, 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.
The discussion centered on a proposed Ghana Center of Excellence for Hearing, Communication and Cochlear Implant Care.
Hearing health is a major public health priority for Ghana. The World Health Organization estimates that 4.8 percent of Ghanaians live with disabling hearing loss. For children, early identification and care can shape lifelong outcomes in language, education and employment. The Ghana Health Service’s 2026-2036 strategy calls for equitable, integrated ear and hearing services across all 16 regions.
Participants discussed a Ghanaian-led institution that would bring together screening, diagnosis, ENT care, audiology, hearing technology, cochlear implant services, speech and language therapy, rehabilitation, family support and research.
The concept emphasizes strengthening, expanding and connecting Ghana’s existing health and academic institutions rather than replacing them, with the Center built around the country’s own priorities, institutions and workforce.
Building lasting national capacity was a central theme. Under the proposed approach, international specialists would initially work alongside Ghanaian teams. Ghanaian professionals would then become national trainers, with the long-term aim of sharing Ghanaian expertise with professionals across Africa.
The Ambassador thanked all participants for a constructive and forward-looking exchange and said he looks forward to continued dialogue.
Care delivered in Ghana. Professionals trained in Ghana. Knowledge retained in Ghana. Ghanaian expertise shared throughout Africa.
