Ghanaian communications specialist and advocate for disability rights Selasi Sikanku has revealed that during his childhood some parents did not want their children to be around him because he was blind. Sikanku, who now works as a radio presenter with Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC), shared that these reactions made his early years difficult as he often encountered discrimination and exclusion.
In an interview, Sikanku explained that people’s attitudes toward his blindness were shaped by stigma and misconceptions about disability. He said some adults feared their children would be negatively influenced simply by being around someone with a visual impairment. This belief resulted in social isolation for him at times and left lasting impressions on his view of inclusion in society.
Despite these early challenges, Sikanku has become a respected media professional and uses his platform to speak about disability inclusion and challenge harmful stereotypes. His work aims to broaden understanding about people living with disabilities and to encourage more supportive and inclusive environments in communities.
Sikanku’s experience highlights common barriers faced by people with disabilities and underscores the importance of advocacy and awareness to combat prejudice. Through his career in communications and disability advocacy, he continues to promote the message that physical differences should not define a person’s opportunities or how others relate to them.
