The Director Ghana Association of Persons With Albinism ( GAPA), Mr Newton K. Katseku
ACCRA, June 12, 2026 – The Ghana Association of Persons with Albinism (GAPA) has called on the Government of Ghana, development partners, civil society organizations, and the general public to take urgent and sustained measures to address discrimination and improve the welfare of persons with albinism across the country.
The call was made in a statement issued to mark the 2026 International Albinism Awareness Day (IAAD), observed globally on June 13 under the theme, “Proudly in My Skin: Celebrating All Skin Tones.”
According to GAPA, this year’s theme represents a significant shift in the global conversation on albinism by moving beyond issues of appearance to focus on the dignity, rights, contributions, and lived experiences of persons with albinism.
The Association noted that despite growing awareness about albinism, many individuals continue to face colour-based discrimination fueled by myths, stigma, prejudice, and harmful societal attitudes.
It said such discriminatory practices continue to affect the human rights, social inclusion, mental well-being, and overall quality of life of persons with albinism.
“The theme draws attention to the persistent colour-based discrimination that many persons with albinism face due to myths, stigma, prejudice, and harmful social attitudes,” the statement said.
GAPA explained that the theme is particularly relevant as it aligns with an upcoming report to the United Nations General Assembly on the psychosocial impact of colour-based discrimination on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism.
The Association observed that in Ghana, persons with albinism continue to encounter significant barriers in education, healthcare, employment, and social participation.
It further highlighted challenges relating to access to specialized skin and eye care services, which remain critical for the health and well-being of persons with albinism.
Beyond the physical challenges associated with the condition, GAPA said many persons with albinism experience bullying, social isolation, anxiety, low self-esteem, and other psychosocial difficulties resulting from misconceptions and negative stereotypes.
As part of the commemoration, GAPA reaffirmed its commitment to promoting the rights, dignity, safety, and inclusion of all persons with albinism in Ghana.
The Association stressed that every individual, regardless of skin tone, deserves equal opportunities, respect, protection, and access to services that support healthy and productive lives.
GAPA also expressed support for the key objectives of IAAD 2026, including recognizing stigma, exclusion, violence, and denial of opportunities as forms of intersectional and colour-based discrimination.
The organization said there was a need to draw greater attention to the psychosocial consequences of discrimination, including trauma, depression, anxiety, chronic fear, and internalized stigma.
It further advocated increased visibility and recognition of persons with albinism as full rights-holders and valuable contributors to national development.
The Association urged governments, institutions, communities, and development partners to address both the root causes and long-term consequences of colour-based discrimination.
In its call to action, GAPA appealed to the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Health to establish a dedicated national fund for skin cancer prevention and care.
According to the Association, skin cancer remains one of the leading causes of preventable deaths among persons with albinism in Africa and requires sustained investment and policy attention.
“No child should be bullied in school because of the colour of their skin. Every child with albinism deserves acceptance, protection and equal opportunities to succeed.”
The fight against discrimination is not only a disability rights issue; it is a human rights issue that requires the collective commitment of government, communities and families.”
….Access to sunscreen and specialized healthcare should not be a privilege. It is a necessity that can save lives and prevent avoidable deaths among persons with albinism.”
“We want a Ghana where persons with albinism are seen for their talents, contributions and potential—not judged by myths and misconceptions.”
Celebrating all skin tones means creating a society where diversity is respected and where no one is left behind because of their appearance.”
On environmental concerns, GAPA warned that climate change and rising temperatures pose heightened risks to persons with albinism due to increased exposure to harmful ultraviolet radiation.
The Association therefore urged authorities to strengthen climate change mitigation and environmental protection measures to safeguard vulnerable populations.
In addition, GAPA called for intensified public education campaigns aimed at dispelling harmful myths and stereotypes surrounding albinism.
It said sustained awareness initiatives would help foster inclusive communities where persons with albinism can live free from discrimination, prejudice, and social exclusion.
The Association further advocated inclusive policies in education, employment, and social protection systems to ensure that persons with albinism are able to participate fully and equally in national life.
GAPA pledged to continue collaborating with government agencies, development partners, traditional authorities, religious leaders, disability rights advocates, civil society organizations, and the media to advance the rights and welfare of persons with albinism.
As Ghana joins the international community to mark the day, the Association called on all citizens to celebrate diversity, reject discrimination, amplify the voices of persons with albinism, and contribute to building a society rooted in dignity, equality, safety, and hope.
“Together, let us build a Ghana where every person is proud in their skin,” the statement concluded.
Below is the full statement:
GHANA ASSOCIATION OF PERSONS WITH ALBINISM
PRESS RELEASE ON THE COMMEMORATION OF INTERNATIONAL ALBINISM AWARENESS DAY (IAAD) 2026
Theme: “Proudly in My Skin: Celebrating All Skin Tones”
12 June 2026
The Ghana Association of Persons with Albinism (GAPA) joins the global community in commemorating the 2026 International Albinism Awareness Day (IAAD) under the theme, “Proudly in My Skin: Celebrating All Skin Tones.”
This year’s theme marks an important shift in the global conversation on albinism—from a focus on appearance to a broader recognition of the dignity, rights, contributions, and lived experiences of persons with albinism. It draws attention to the persistent colour-based discrimination that many persons with albinism face due to myths, stigma, prejudice, and harmful social attitudes. These forms of discrimination continue to undermine their human rights, social inclusion, mental well-being, and opportunities for full participation in society.
The theme is particularly significant as it aligns with the forthcoming report to the United Nations General Assembly on the psychosocial impact of colour-based discrimination on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism.
In Ghana, persons with albinism continue to face numerous challenges, including barriers to education, healthcare, employment, social participation, and access to essential skin and eye care services. Beyond the physical challenges associated with albinism, many individuals experience social isolation, bullying, discrimination, anxiety, low self-esteem, and other psychosocial consequences arising from societal misconceptions and negative stereotypes.
As we commemorate IAAD 2026, GAPA reaffirms its commitment to promoting the rights, dignity, safety, and inclusion of all persons with albinism in Ghana. We believe that every person, regardless of skin tone, deserves equal opportunities, respect, protection, and access to services that enable them to live healthy, productive, and fulfilling lives.
GAPA fully supports the objectives of IAAD 2026, which seek to:
• Recognize that the stigma, exclusion, violence, and denial of opportunities experienced by persons with albinism constitute forms of intersectional and colour-based discrimination.
• Highlight the psychosocial consequences of discrimination, including chronic fear, trauma, anxiety, depression, and internalized stigma.
• Promote the visibility, dignity, and voices of persons with albinism as full rights-holders and valued members of society.
• Mobilize governments, institutions, communities, and development partners to address both the root causes and consequences of colour-based discrimination.
CALL TO ACTION
In line with this year’s theme and the realities confronting persons with albinism in Ghana, GAPA calls on the Government of Ghana, development partners, civil society organizations, and the general public to take urgent and sustained action to improve the lives of persons with albinism.
- Establish a Dedicated National Fund for Skin Cancer Prevention and Care
We call on the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Health to establish a dedicated national funding mechanism to support skin cancer prevention, screening, treatment, rehabilitation, and related care services for persons with albinism in Ghana. Skin cancer remains one of the leading causes of preventable deaths among persons with albinism in Africa and requires sustained investment and attention. - Create Specialized Skin and Eye Care Units in Regional Hospitals
Government should establish dedicated units within regional hospitals to provide comprehensive dermatological and ophthalmological services for persons with albinism. These units should ensure regular access to sunscreen, routine skin examinations, low-vision support services, assistive devices, and specialized medical care. - Strengthen Climate Change Action and Environmental Protection
The effects of climate change, including rising temperatures and increased exposure to ultraviolet radiation, disproportionately affect persons with albinism. We therefore urge government and stakeholders to intensify efforts to combat climate change, promote environmental sustainability, and protect vulnerable populations from climate-related health risks. - Intensify Public Education and Anti-Stigma Campaigns
We call 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. - Promote Inclusive Education, Employment, and Social Protection
Government institutions, employers, educational institutions, and service providers must implement inclusive policies and provide reasonable accommodations that enable persons with albinism to participate fully and equally in all aspects of national life.
OUR COMMITMENT
GAPA remains committed to working with government agencies, development partners, traditional and religious leaders, civil society organizations, disability rights advocates, and the media to advance the rights and well-being of persons with albinism in Ghana.
On this International Albinism Awareness Day, we invite all Ghanaians to celebrate every skin tone, reject discrimination, amplify the voices of persons with albinism, and contribute to building a society where diversity is embraced and everyone can live with dignity, safety, equality, and hope.
Together, let us build a Ghana where every person is proud in their skin.
