Disability advocate George Best Akuffo Baah is calling on Ghanaian schools to include students with disabilities and recognize their ability to learn and contribute in the classroom. Mr. Baah, who lives with cerebral palsy, shared how teachers at mainstream schools ignored him, discouraged him from answering questions, and punished him over homework.
Speaking on this week’s Springboard Hangout with host Comfort Ocran, the social worker said those experiences made him feel he did not deserve to be in the classroom. “Even when answering questions, they will tell you to shut up, and then other colleagues will answer the question,” he said. “Meanwhile, we are all paying school fees.”
The author of ‘African Mentality of Disability’ added that his experiences helped shape his decision to study social work. He wants to help change society’s perceptions of disability and encourage people to see it as part of human diversity.
Mr. Baah has also written a book promoting love, acceptance and inclusion. He added that families play an important role in helping children with disabilities thrive, and that children should be included in education, health care, employment and family life.
He hopes to take his book to schools so young people can learn about disability and support classmates with disabilities. “If you don’t start from scratch, how would they know to change their perception?” he said.
The episode also featured fashion designer and sustainability educator Azariel Geopheson, who spoke about living with lichen planus, a skin condition she said can flare up in response to some fabrics and products.
Geopheson said the condition has affected the fabrics and clothes she can wear, as well as her work in fashion. She urged designers to include labels showing garment materials and fabric composition, so customers can make informed choices based on their needs.
She is also exploring natural pigments for dyeing fabrics as an alternative to dyes that may trigger reactions. Her comments added another perspective to the episode’s discussion of inclusion: giving people the information and consideration they need to participate fully in everyday life.
Watch the full episode here https://www.youtube.com/live/2J4dN00PvDQ?si=ca8nygo1PoKLdELh
About Springboard Hangout
Springboard Hangout is a funducative, youth-centred show hosted by Comfort Ocran. It features inspiring stories, practical skills, and real-life experiences aimed at educating, entertaining, and equipping the next generation. The programme airs every Saturday at 4:00 PM on Joy Prime TV and on the Springboard Channel on Facebook and YouTube.