The Member of Parliament for Ablekuma North, Hon. Ewurabena Aubynn, has called for the provision of free cancer screening and sunscreen products for persons living with albinism as Ghana marks International Albinism Awareness Day 2026.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament, the MP urged the government and relevant stakeholders to take practical steps to improve the welfare and quality of life of persons with albinism, who continue to face significant health, educational, and social challenges.
Hon. Aubynn noted that Ghana’s 1992 Constitution guarantees equality before the law and protection from discrimination, adding that the country is also bound by several international human rights instruments that require equal treatment and opportunities for all citizens, including persons with albinism.
Against this backdrop, she called on the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection and other stakeholders to implement targeted interventions to address the unique challenges faced by people living with the condition.
Among the measures she proposed were the provision of subsidized or free sunscreen products and free cancer screening services for persons with albinism, who are at a heightened risk of developing skin cancer due to prolonged exposure to the sun.
The legislator also advocated for the inclusion of approved sunscreen products under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to make them more accessible and affordable.
She further called for the expansion of specialized dermatological and ophthalmological care across the country to improve access to healthcare for persons with albinism.
In the area of education, Hon. Aubynn urged authorities to strengthen inclusive education by providing assistive devices, learning materials, and adequate support for teachers to better accommodate students with visual impairments associated with albinism.
The MP also stressed the need to promote employment opportunities and economic empowerment programmes to address the discrimination and exclusion that many persons with albinism experience in the workplace.
Additionally, she called for intensified public education campaigns to eliminate harmful myths, stereotypes, and discrimination, as well as expanded access to mental health and psychosocial support services.
Hon. Aubynn further advocated for improved data collection on persons with albinism to support evidence-based policymaking and ensure that resources are effectively allocated to address their needs.
“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.
She urged Ghanaians to embrace the spirit of this year’s theme, “Proudly in My Skin: Celebrating All Skin Tones,” by working together to eliminate discrimination, promote inclusion, and ensure that persons with albinism can fully participate in national development.
