By Juliet Akosua Danquah
The Ghana Association of Persons with Albinism (GAPA) has called on government to set up a dedicated national fund for skin cancer prevention, warning that the disease remains “one of the leading causes of preventable deaths among persons with albinism in Africa.”
The call was made in a press release issued ahead of the 2026 International Albinism Awareness Day on June 13, themed “Proudly in My Skin: Celebrating All Skin Tones.”
GAPA said 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.”
The Association highlighted persistent challenges facing persons with albinism in Ghana, including “barriers to education, healthcare, employment, social participation and access to essential skin and eye care services.”
Beyond physical challenges, GAPA noted many individuals experience “social isolation, bullying, discrimination, anxiety, low self-esteem and other psychosocial consequences arising from societal misconceptions and negative stereotypes.”
Among its demands, GAPA urged the Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Health to “establish a dedicated national funding mechanism to support skin cancer prevention, screening, treatment, rehabilitation and related care services.”
It also called for specialised skin and eye care units in regional hospitals to provide “regular access to sunscreen, routine skin examinations, low-vision support services, assistive devices and specialised medical care.”
The group further appealed for stronger climate action, noting that “rising temperatures and increased exposure to ultraviolet radiation disproportionately affect persons with albinism.”
“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,” the statement said.
GAPA urged 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.”International Albinism Awareness Day is observed annually on June 13 to highlight the rights and welfare of persons with albinism worldwide.
