Unfortunately, there are some societies and cultures where people with albinism face discrimination, prejudice, and even violence.
This is often due to a lack of understanding and misinformation about albinism, as well as deeply rooted cultural beliefs, superstitions, and myths surrounding the condition.
In some cultures, people with albinism are believed to possess magical or supernatural powers, which can lead to harmful actions like kidnapping, mutilation, or even murder for the purpose of using their body parts in rituals or potions. This brutal practice, known as “albino hunting,” is driven by a range of factors, including ignorance, myths, and deeply ingrained cultural beliefs.
However, it is ridiculous and surprising to hear from a representative of affected Persons with Albinism in Ghana that in this 21st century, their lives are still in danger in some parts of the country following some regrettable cultural beliefs which in the actual sense have no regard for humanity.
Apexnewsgh.com has gathered that, in some parts of Ghana, the movement of Persons with Albinism posed a heavy threat to their lives due to certain perceptions some communities consumed about them, especially with regard to their skin and color.
Some are banished from their communities in some parts of Ghana once they are Persons with Albinism because people in these communities believe Albinism is forbidden or a curse to the society and for that matter, there will be no progress in their community. Such a regrettable mentality isn’t it?
All these were revealed when Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen engaged the Communication Officer Ghana Federation of Disability Organizations (GFD) Adam Abdul Wahab in an exclusive Interview on Wednesday, April 5, 2023.
Apexnewsgh Question: What is the situation in Ghana when it comes to Persons with Albinism?
Adam Abdul Wahab’s Response: “The issue about Persons with Albinism in Ghana is very critical due to traditional beliefs and some perceptions and other cultural practices. It makes life very difficult for Persons with Albinism in some parts of the country. We continue to face exclusions, discrimination, and prejudice of various forms”.
Apexnewsgh Question: Were they allowed to stay in their communities?
Adam Abdul Wahab’s Response: “In some communities, Persons with Albinism are not even allowed to stay in those communities, with the belief that when Persons with Albinism are found in those communities, it is a bad omen and a curse to the society and for that matter, the thing wouldn’t move on well for the people in those communities”.
Apexnewsgh Question: What are some of the steps taken by these identified communities against Persons with Albinism?
Adam Abdul Wahab Response: So, some of the things they do, is to either banish the person from the community or they used the person for rituals”.
There are some studies conducted by the Ghana Association of Persons with Albinism in 2019 which actually ascertain the fact that in some communities in the Eastern Region of Ghana and some communities in the Bono East Region, this practice is going on, where Persons with Albinism are banished from the community.
In these communities, do Persons with Albinism move around freely?
So, they do not have the liberty of movement. , if the constitution of Ghana gives us the freedom of movement and yet, some Persons with Albinism are not allowed to live in some communities then, I do not see how we value our constitution as a country.
It looks like we are placing more trust or giving the traditional belief or culture power more than even the supreme law we have in Ghana”.
Apexnewsgh Question: What are some of the steps you have taken as an Organization to seek Justice?
Adam Abdul Wahab Response: “We have petitioned CHRAJ on this issue after we conducted a study and CHRAJ continues to tell us that they are conducting an independent investigation to satisfy with the facts we presented”.
“It was submitted in 2019 up to now 2023, we have not heard anything positive from CHRAJ and the only response they gave us when we follow up, is that they are working on it and I don’t know how long they will work on it”.
Apexnewsgh Question: How does all these experience affect your member’s daily activities?
Adam Abdul Wahab Response: One of the ways it affects our day-to-day activity is that, is a security threat to Persons with Albinism because those communities I have just mentioned are known. Maybe Persons with Albinism in these areas will know how they protect themselves and once it is happening in some communities, it means that it also happens in different parts of the country, even though those ones are not yet known. So, once they are not yet known, it means that the security of Persons with Albinism is at risk and there is always a common statement people are making about Persons with Albinism, that if you are a person with Albinism and you grow to a certain age, you disappear or vanish.
However, Mr. Adam Abdul Wahab stressed, that the study they conducted in 2019 made them believe that people silently kill Persons with Albinism for rituals, and later claim they have vanished.
A spiritual issue he believes is posing a security threat to Persons with Albinism in the country.
Apexnewsgh.com would like to suggest that, is high time communities across the country are well educated and sensitized to know that being an albino is not a curse. Albinism is a genetic condition that affects the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for the color of the skin, hair, and eyes. People with albinism have a lack or absence of melanin, which results in lighter or white hair, skin, and eye color. Albinism does not affect a person’s character, abilities, or worth as a human being. It is important to treat individuals with albinism with respect and equality, just like any other person.
However, in achieving this education and sensitization exercise across various communities in the country, resources and support must be made available through any philanthropist organizations interested in the welfare of minority groups of people.
It is also important to note that efforts are being made by international organizations, and advocacy groups such as Minority Rights Group International (MRG) to promote inclusion and protect the rights of people with albinism.
Education and public awareness campaigns are crucial in combating these harmful beliefs and behaviors and promoting acceptance and equality for people with albinism in our various communities across the country.
Apexnewsgh.com/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen/Ghana
Please contact Apexnewsgh.com by email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0256336062
