The Member of Parliament for Ablekuma North, Hon. Ewurabena Aubynn, has called for urgent policy interventions to improve the welfare, healthcare, and social inclusion of persons living with albinism in Ghana.
Making a statement on the floor of Parliament to commemorate International Albinism Awareness Day 2026, Hon. Aubynn lamented the challenges faced by persons with albinism and urged government institutions and stakeholders to intensify efforts to protect their rights and dignity.
The annual observance, marked on June 13, is being celebrated this year under the theme, “Proudly in My Skin: Celebrating All Skin Tones.”
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According to the MP, the theme underscores the need to embrace diversity, reject colour-based discrimination, and affirm the equal worth of all people, regardless of their skin tone or genetic condition.
Hon. Aubynn explained that albinism is a genetically inherited condition characterized by reduced or absent melanin pigment in the skin, hair, and eyes. She noted that people with albinism often experience visual impairments and face a heightened risk of skin damage and skin cancer due to prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation.
She expressed concern that despite growing awareness globally, many persons with albinism continue to face discrimination, stigma, and exclusion. While Ghana has not experienced the extreme violence recorded in some African countries, she said social, economic, and health-related challenges remain widespread.
The Ablekuma North legislator identified skin cancer as one of the most pressing health threats confronting persons with albinism. She noted that Ghana’s tropical climate and intense sunlight increase their vulnerability, yet many cannot afford sunscreen products, regular dermatological care or cancer treatment.
She pointed to challenges in accessing eye care services, explaining that visual impairments associated with albinism can affect educational attainment and employment opportunities.
Hon. Aubynn also raised concerns about bullying, stigma, and the lack of classroom accommodations for children with albinism, warning that such barriers undermine their academic performance and limit their participation in education.
On employment, she said misconceptions about the capabilities of persons with albinism continue to fuel discrimination and economic exclusion, while social prejudice negatively affects their confidence, mental well-being, and quality of life.
The MP reminded Parliament that Ghana’s 1992 Constitution guarantees equality before the law and protection from discrimination, adding that the country’s commitments under international human rights instruments require it to ensure equal opportunities for persons with albinism.
She therefore called on the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection and other relevant agencies to implement practical measures, including the provision of subsidized or free sunscreen products, expanded access to skin cancer screening and treatment, and the inclusion of approved sunscreen products under the National Health Insurance Scheme.
She also recommended expanding dermatological and ophthalmological services nationwide, strengthening inclusive education through assistive learning materials and teacher support, promoting employment and economic empowerment programmes, increasing public education campaigns to combat myths and stereotypes, expanding mental health services, and improving data collection to support evidence-based policymaking.
“As we commemorate 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 stated.