Evelyn Donkor Advocates for End to Social Stigma and Housing Discrimination Against Families with Cerebral Palsy

Madam Evelyn Donkor, a mother and professional seamstress based in Ho, has issued a poignant call for an end to the pervasive stigma and discrimination targeting children with disabilities and their families. Since relocating to the Volta Regional capital in 2017, Madam Donkor has encountered significant social and economic hurdles rooted in deep-seated misconceptions about her daughter’s condition, cerebral palsy. Her experience highlights a broader systemic issue in Ghana where families are often isolated and denied basic rights due to public ignorance regarding neurological disorders.

The discrimination faced by the family has directly impacted their livelihood and stability. Madam Donkor reported that numerous landlords in Ho have flatly refused to rent accommodation to her, citing fears of how other tenants might react to a child with cerebral palsy. This prejudice extended to her professional life as a seamstress; many potential customers withdrew their patronage after discovering her daughter's condition. These actions have created a constant cycle of social isolation and financial strain, demonstrating how disability stigma affects not just the individual, but the entire household’s ability to sustain itself within the community.

Education, a fundamental right for every child, has also been compromised by these social barriers. Despite showing marked improvements in her speech and social skills, Madam Donkor’s daughter was ultimately withdrawn from school due to persistent bullying and discriminatory treatment. The mother expressed deep concern that such hostile environments hinder the developmental progress of children with special needs, effectively punishing them for conditions beyond their control. She emphasized that cerebral palsy is a neurological condition—not a contagious disease or a "spiritual curse"—and urged the public to approach affected families with empathy rather than fear.

As Ghana continues to work toward more inclusive social services under the current administration of President John Mahama, the plight of families like the Donkors serves as a critical reminder of the gaps in public education. Madam Donkor’s appeal is a call to action for local authorities, traditional leaders, and civil society organizations to intensify awareness campaigns in the Volta Region and beyond. By dispelling myths and promoting a culture of inclusion, stakeholders can ensure that children with disabilities are afforded the dignity, housing, and educational opportunities necessary to reach their full potential and integrate fully into Ghanaian society.