FIRST VISUALLY IMPAIRED MINISTER OF
STATE: ENCOURAGING PARCITIPATION
OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITY IN
GHANAIAN POLITICS
In a momentous occasion for Ghana, the
nation inaugurated its first-ever visually impaired Minister of State. This groundbreaking
milestone represents a noteworthy stride towards fostering inclusivity and
diversity within the Ghanaian government, demonstrating an authentic embodiment
of dismantling barriers and defying societal biases.
With exceptional perseverance and
resolute devotion to serving the public, Lawyer Dr. Henry Seidu Danaa has
triumphantly overcome all obstacles to become the first visually impaired
individual to hold a government position as Minister for Chieftaincy and Traditional
Affairs. Through his remarkable achievement, he has set an inspiring precedent
for aspiring leaders with disabilities throughout the nation by demonstrating
that physical limitations need not impede one's path toward success.
Dr. Henry Seidu Danaa encountered a
multitude of obstacles on his political path to ministerial appointment.
Nevertheless, through tenacity and fortitude, he triumphantly surmounted each
challenge with exemplary leadership attributes and unwavering dedication
towards serving the people of Ghana.
As the first visually impaired
minister in the country, Dr. Henry Seidu Danaa brought a unique perspective and
valuable insights to their role as minister.
Dr. Henry Seidu Danaa lived experience
as a person with a disability will undoubtedly inform and enrich their
decision-making process, ensuring that policies and initiatives are inclusive
and equitable for all members of society.
Biography of Dr. Henry Seidu Danaa
Born in 1955 in Tuasa, located in the
Upper West Region of Ghana, Dr. Henry Seidu Danaa was afforded the opportunity
to attend the prestigious University of Ghana, Legon where he studied Law and
completed his degree in 1981. He then pursued advanced studies at the esteemed
London School of Economics and Political Science, earning a Master’s Degree in
Law. Remarkably, throughout his education journey, Dr. Henry Seidu Danaa relied
on Braille technology as an essential tool for learning and communication
purposes.
He was called to the Bar and started
practicing law officially.
From 1995 to 1999, He served as Board Member
of Ghana Blind Society where he played a crucial role in promoting inclusivity
in the country.
In February 2013, he was appointed as
Minister for Chieftaincy and Traditional Affairs under John Dramani Mahama’s
administration until 2017.
The appointment of Dr. Henry Seidu
Danaa as the first visually impaired minister send a powerful message of
empowerment and representation to the visually impaired populace in Ghana,
encouraging them to pursue their aspirations and ambitions without any
constraints. It underscores that diversity is an asset and emphasizes that
every individual, irrespective of their physical abilities, merits a place at
the table.