NanaBanyin Dadson has joined the Ghana Stammerers Association. This move aims to give a voice to children who stammer. Mr. Dadson also leads the Media and Journalism department at the African University of Communications and Business (AUCB).
He spoke about his personal journey with stammering. He sees it not as a weakness but as a source of strength. Mr. Dadson believes more awareness is crucial, especially in schools. He highlights that stammering is a neurological issue. It stems from the brain's processing. It is not simply a matter of willpower or easily overcome.
His decision to join the association was motivated by children's struggles. Many young students with stammering face difficulties in classrooms. Teachers may lack the patience or understanding they need. Some children are overlooked. This happens because it takes them longer to express their thoughts. Mr. Dadson notes that some educators wrongly interpret stammering. They might think the child is being untruthful.
Mr. Dadson shared personal experiences of embarrassment. He recalled an incident at a bank. He struggled to say the number "22" for his queue number. Words starting with "t" were particularly challenging. The attention from others made the situation deeply uncomfortable. He found certain public speaking roles, like reading announcements in church, quite difficult.
He described his approach to overcoming these challenges as defiance. He felt he had important things to say. He refused to let his speech impediment stop him. Over time, his colleagues became accustomed to his speech. Many no longer notice his stammer. He also makes students comfortable. He opens up about stammering on the first day. He uses humour to address the condition.
Mr. Dadson remains determined to speak for himself. Students sometimes offer to complete words for him. He politely declines these offers. He insists on completing his own sentences. His advocacy extends beyond personal experience. It aims to create a more supportive environment for young people. This is especially important in educational institutions across Ghana.