International Albinism Awareness Day Marked Almost Unnoticed in Ghana

Hidden in the chaos of the news, World Albinism Day passed unrecognized by the Ghanaian press.

Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Hon Otiko Afisah Djaba calls on Ghanaians to end all forms discrimination against persons with albinism yet the day was almost undetected by most Ghanaians.  

Hon Afisah Djaba made this remarks on 13^th June to mark International Albinism Awareness Day (IAAD).

According to the Minister, government has taken steps “to promote, support and protect the socio economic rights of persons with albinism.”

“The appointment of Mawunyo Yakor-Dagbah, a person with albinism to the governing body of the National Council on Persons with Disabilities under the Ministry of Gender, Children & Social Protection in Ghana, is to ensure that issues of albinism are not left behind or out,” the sector minister added. 

Albinism is a condition of the skin caused by a lack of melanin. Unfortunately, the color of their skin has been a subjected to public discrimination, and name calling among some Ghanaian Communities. 

Article 17 (2) of the 1992 Constitution, which states that “a person shall not be discriminated against on grounds gender, race, colour, ethnic origin, religion, creed or economic status”.

 

The theme for this year’s Albinism awareness day is “Shining Our Light to the World".

In a statement released for the International Albinism Day, it was established that, “in many parts of the world, awareness of the human rights situation of persons with albinism remains limited. Further, it recognizes the importance of increasing awareness and understanding of albinism in order to fight against global discrimination and stigma against persons with albinism.”

The Minister of Gender Children and Social Protection also said, “Often, most persons with albinism are not given opportunities to utilize their talents or to fulfill their full potential.”

“Albinism is often a source of mockery, ridicule, discrimination, name-calling, prejudice, marginalization, abuse and exclusion. On this occasion of IAAD,” she added.

“So this Day provides us the opportunity to underscore Government’s commitment to empower persons with albinism and other disability groups to ensure their talents are utilized.”

source: GhanaReel.com