Volta Regional President of GFD, Ms. Elikplim Afua Klu
HO, June 13, 2026 – The Volta Regional branch of the Ghana Federation of Disability Organisations (GFD) has called for stronger action from government, traditional authorities, educational institutions, health facilities, the media and the general public to address discrimination and barriers faced by persons with albinism in Ghana.
The call was made in a solidarity message issued to commemorate the 2026 International Albinism Awareness Day, celebrated globally under the theme, “Proudly in My Skin, Celebrating All Skin Tones.”
In a statement signed by the Volta Regional President of GFD, Ms. Elikplim Afua Klu, the organisation expressed solidarity with persons with albinism and reaffirmed its commitment to promoting equality, inclusion and social justice.
The federation noted that the annual observance provides an opportunity to celebrate the resilience, achievements and contributions of persons with albinism while drawing attention to the challenges they continue to face.
According to the statement, persons with albinism still encounter discrimination, stigma, social exclusion and barriers that limit their participation in society.
“Today’s celebration provides an important opportunity to recognise the uniqueness, resilience, talents, and contributions of persons with albinism while renewing our collective commitment to building an inclusive society where every person is respected, protected, and given equal opportunities irrespective of skin colour, appearance, or disability status,” the statement said.
The federation observed that despite growing awareness, many persons with albinism continue to face obstacles in accessing quality education, employment opportunities and essential healthcare services.
It stressed that access to specialised eye care and skin protection services remains a major concern for many persons with albinism across the country.
“The theme reminds us that diversity is a strength and that every skin tone deserves dignity, appreciation, and acceptance,” the statement emphasized.
GFD Volta further stated that the rights and welfare of persons with albinism must remain a national priority.
“The Ghana Federation of Disability Organisations stands firmly with persons with albinism in the continuous fight for equality, inclusion, social justice, and the protection of their fundamental human rights,” it declared.
The organisation also commended the efforts of the Persons with Albinism Association of Ghana for its advocacy work and support for members throughout the country.
As part of its call to action, GFD urged government and policymakers to strengthen programmes and policies that improve the lives of persons with albinism.
The federation specifically called for expanded access to healthcare, inclusive education, social protection initiatives and employment opportunities.
It also urged authorities to ensure the effective enforcement of laws that prohibit discrimination against persons with albinism and other persons with disabilities.
The statement further appealed to local government authorities and traditional leaders to actively support disability inclusion initiatives within their communities.
Educational institutions were encouraged to create safe learning environments by tackling stigma, bullying and discrimination against students with albinism.
According to GFD, schools must provide the necessary support systems to enable students with albinism to achieve their full academic potential.
The federation also called on health institutions and development partners to increase access to affordable healthcare services tailored to the needs of persons with albinism.
These services, it noted, should include regular medical screening, eye care support, skin protection services and public education on albinism-related health issues.
The media was equally challenged to play a more proactive role in shaping public perceptions and promoting inclusion.
“Media organisations must use their platforms responsibly to challenge harmful stereotypes, educate the public, and promote positive stories about persons with albinism and their achievements,” the statement urged.
The federation further appealed to the public to reject myths, misconceptions and harmful beliefs associated with albinism.
It stressed that persons with albinism are equal members of society whose talents and contributions are essential to national development.
Reaffirming its commitment, GFD Volta pledged to continue collaborating with government agencies, civil society organisations, development partners and persons with albinism to advance disability rights and inclusion.
In a message directed to persons with albinism, the federation encouraged them to remain confident and proud of their identity.
“To all persons with albinism, we say: Be proud of who you are. Your skin is beautiful, your identity matters, and your contribution to society is valuable,” the statement said.
The federation concluded by expressing hope for a Ghana where diversity is celebrated, differences are respected and every citizen is given the opportunity to participate fully in society.
The statement was signed by Ms. Elikplim Afua Klu, Volta Regional President of the Ghana Federation of Disability Organisations.
Below is the Full Statement:
.PRESS STATEMENT
GHANA FEDERATION OF DISABILITY ORGANISATIONS (GFD) – VOLTA REGION
SOLIDARITY MESSAGE ON THE OCCASION OF THE 2026 INTERNATIONAL ALBINISM AWARENESS DAY CELEBRATION
Theme: “Proudly in My Skin, Celebrating All Skin Tones”
Date: 13th June 2026
Issued by: The Volta Regional President, Ghana Federation of Disability Organisations (GFD)
Members of the media, distinguished guests, representatives of the Persons with Albinism Association of Ghana, leaders of disability organisations, development partners, traditional and religious leaders, ladies and gentlemen:
The Ghana Federation of Disability Organisations (GFD), Volta Region, extends its warmest greetings and solidarity to all persons with albinism in Ghana and across the world as we commemorate the 2026 International Albinism Awareness Day under the theme: “Proudly in My Skin, Celebrating All Skin Tones.”
Today’s celebration provides an important opportunity to recognise the uniqueness, resilience, talents, and contributions of persons with albinism while renewing our collective commitment to building an inclusive society where every person is respected, protected, and given equal opportunities irrespective of skin colour, appearance, or disability status.
The theme reminds us that diversity is a strength and that every skin tone deserves dignity, appreciation, and acceptance. However, persons with albinism continue to experience challenges, including discrimination, stigma, social exclusion, limited access to education and employment opportunities, and inadequate access to essential healthcare services, particularly eye and skin care.
The Ghana Federation of Disability Organisations stands firmly with persons with albinism in the continuous fight for equality, inclusion, social justice, and the protection of their
fundamental human rights. We acknowledge and commend the efforts of the Persons with
Albinism Association of Ghana for its continuous
advocacy, awareness creation, and support for persons with albinism across the country.
CALL TO ACTION AND WAY FORWARD
As we mark this important occasion, the Ghana Federation of Disability Organisations (GFD), Volta Region, calls on all stakeholders to take practical steps towards creating a society where persons with albinism can live with dignity, confidence, and equal opportunities.
We therefore call on:
- Government and Policymakers
To strengthen policies and programmes that promote the rights and welfare of persons with albinism, including improved access to healthcare, inclusive education, social protection,
employment opportunities, and effective enforcement of laws against discrimination. - Local Government Authorities and Traditional Leaders
To actively support disability inclusion initiatives and ensure that persons with albinism are included in community development programmes and decision-making processes. - Educational Institutions
To create safe and inclusive learning environments by addressing stigma, discrimination, and bullying against students with albinism while providing the necessary support to enhance their academic success. - Health Institutions and Development Partners
To expand access to affordable eye care, skin protection services, regular medical screening, and public education on albinism-related health needs. - Media Organisations
To use their platforms responsibly to challenge harmful stereotypes, educate the public, and promote positive stories about persons with albinism and their achievements. - The General Public
To reject myths, misconceptions, and harmful beliefs associated with albinism and embrace persons with albinism as equal members of society with valuable contributions to national development.
Our Commitment
The Ghana Federation of Disability Organisations (GFD), Volta Region, reaffirms its commitment to working with persons with albinism, government institutions, civil society organisations, and development partners to promote equality, inclusion, and social justice.
To all persons with albinism, we say: Be proud of who you are. Your skin is beautiful, your identity matters, and your contribution to society is valuable. No form of discrimination or prejudice should prevent you from achieving your dreams and aspirations.
Together, we can build a Ghana where diversity is celebrated, differences are respected, and every individual has the opportunity to participate fully in society.
Thank you.
Long live Persons with Albinism! Long live Disability Inclusion! Long live Ghana!
Signed:
ELIKPLIM AFUA KLU
Volta Regional President
Ghana Federation of Disability Organisations (GFD)
