He said it was time to shift from activism to real, measurable action that promotes inclusion and empowers peo­ple with autism to live fulfilled lives.

Prof. Akoriyea in a speech read for him stated this during the opening of the 4th Annual Autism Workshop and Consultation organised by Guaranty Trust Bank Ghana Limited in Accra.

The four-day programme, held under the theme “From Awareness to Ac­tion: Advancing Autism Inclusion”, attracted health and education experts, behavioural, communication and speech experts from Ghana, Nigeria, Canada, and the United States.

More than 800 participants are attend­ing the event, which includes workshops, panel discussions, and consultations tai­lored to deepen knowledge and advocacy around autism.

Prof. Akoriyea noted that “Autism and their neurodevelopmental differences had for too long been misunderstood, often resulting in stigma, isolation and exclusion.

“Today, we are called to move beyond mere awareness to tangible action—ac­tion that fosters inclusion, celebrates diversity, and unlocks the immense po­tential of every child living with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD),” he said.

“We are working closely with the Min­istry of Health to implement key policies that ensure children with special needs can achieve their goals and contribute meaningfully to society,” Prof. Akoriyea added.

The Minister of Health, Mr Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, in remarks made on his behalf praised Guaranty Trust Bank Ghana Limited for its consistency and commitment in raising awareness on autism.

“The theme for this year’s programme is timely, powerful and necessary. It chal­lenges all of us—governments, private institutions and individuals—to move beyond simply knowing about autism. It calls for deliberate actions to build a society where every individual is valued and empowered to thrive,” he said.

He mentioned that the latest data from the United States Centers for Dis­ease Control and Prevention, indicates that 1 in 31 children are identified with ASD, compared to 1 in 100 to 150 two decades ago.

The Board Chairperson of Guaranty Trust Bank Ghana Limited, Ms Irene Baaba Hagan, said the programme formed part of the corporate social investment of the Bank to fostering inclusivity in society.

“Our journey began with a commit­ment to break the barriers of stigma and ignorance surrounding autism. While awareness is vital, it is no longer enough. We must translate it into meaningful interventions—accessible healthcare, inclusive education, and supportive com­munities,” she said.