By Caleb Kuleke
Ho, June 13 (GNA) – The Ghana Association of Persons with Albinism (GAPA) has called on the Government to establish dedicated units in all regional hospitals to provide comprehensive dermatological and ophthalmological services for persons with albinism.
According to the Association, the units should ensure regular access to sunscreen, routine skin examinations, low-vision support services, assistive devices, and specialised medical care.
Mr Newton Komla Katseku, National Director of GAPA, made the call at a press conference in Ho to mark this year’s International Albinism Awareness Day, celebrated under the theme: “Proudly in My Skin: Celebrating All Skin Tones.”
He also urged the Government to establish a dedicated national funding mechanism to support skin cancer prevention, screening, treatment, rehabilitation, and related healthcare services for persons with albinism.
Mr Katseku noted that skin cancer remains one of the leading causes of preventable deaths among persons with albinism in Africa and requires sustained investment and policy attention.
He called on the Government, development partners, civil society organisations, and the general public to take urgent and sustained action to improve the lives of persons with albinism.
The National Director further urged stakeholders to implement policies that would enable persons with albinism to participate fully and equally in all aspects of national life.
Mr Katseku reaffirmed GAPA’s commitment to collaborating with government agencies, development partners, traditional and religious leaders, civil society organisations, disability rights advocates, and the media to advance the rights and well-being of persons with albinism in Ghana.
He also appealed to Ghanaians to celebrate every skin tone, reject discrimination, amplify the voices of persons with albinism, and help build a society where diversity is embraced and everyone can live with dignity, safety, equality, and hope.
Mr Katseku emphasised the need for sustained nationwide awareness campaigns to challenge harmful myths and stereotypes about albinism, promote positive attitudes, and foster inclusive communities where persons with albinism can live free from discrimination, prejudice, and social exclusion.
GNA
Edited by: Maxwell Awumah/Audrey Dekalu