The Member of Parliament for Ablekuma North, Ewurabena Aubynn, has called on the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection and relevant stakeholders to take practical steps to improve the welfare of persons with albinism.
She said they must strengthen policies and programmes that promote inclusion, protect the rights of persons with albinism and create equal opportunities for them to thrive in society.
“We must provide subsidised or free sunscreen and skin cancer screening services for persons with albinism, expand access to specialised dermatological and ophthalmological care across the country,” she said.
Let’s promote inclusion
Delivering a statement in commemoration of International Albinism Awareness Day on the floor of Parliament last Friday, Ms Aubynn called for the inclusion of approved sunscreen products under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), and for strengthening inclusive education through the provision of assistive devices, learning materials and teacher support.
“Let us promote employment opportunities and economic empowerment programmes for persons with albinism, intensifying public education campaigns to eliminate myths, stereotypes and discrimination as well as expand access to mental health and psychosocial support services.
This year's observance, which fell on June 14, was on the theme "Proudly in My Skin: Celebrating All Skin Tones".
“In the spirit of this year's theme, let us work together to eliminate discrimination, promote inclusion and ensure that persons with albinism can live, learn, work and contribute fully to national development,” she said.
Embrace diversity
In her view, persons with albinism often experience visual impairments and face a heightened risk of skin damage and skin cancer due to prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation.
“Mr Speaker, despite growing awareness globally, persons with albinism continue to encounter discrimination, stigma and exclusion.
“In some parts of Africa, harmful myths and misconceptions have exposed them to violence and serious human rights abuses,” she said.
The MP said while Ghana had not witnessed such extreme incidents, persons with albinism still faced significant social, economic and health-related challenges that required urgent attention.
Ms Aubynn pointed out that one of the most pressing concerns was the high incidence of skin cancer among persons with albinism.
She said Ghana's tropical climate and intense sunlight placed them at greater risk, yet access to sunscreen, regular dermatological care and treatment remained beyond the reach of many.
Ms Aubynn said that access to eye care also remained a challenge and that visual impairments associated with albinism could affect their education and employment opportunities.
Obligation to protect
According to her, the 1992 Constitution guaranteed equality before the law and protection from discrimination.
As a state party to several international human rights instruments, she said Ghana had an obligation to ensure that persons with albinism enjoyed equal rights and opportunities in all spheres of national life.
“Mr Speaker, as we commemorate the International Albinism Awareness Day 2026, let us reaffirm our commitment to building a society where every citizen is treated with dignity and respect, regardless of appearance or genetic condition,” she urged.
