In a landmark moment for Ghana’s legal landscape, Juventus Duorinaah Esq., has etched his name in histo­ry as the country’s first lawyer with a hearing impairment.

His journey from a humble back­ground to breaking barriers in the legal profession serves as a powerful inspiration for countless individuals in the disability community, proving that determination and resilience can defy societal expectations and create path­ways to success.

For Juventus, the recognition as Gha­na’s first deaf lawyer feels surreal.

“It feels like a dream,” he reflects, acknowledging the stereotypes sur­rounding deafness and the humble background from which he hails.

Juventus’ passion for law sparked in 2008 while seeking admission to the University of Ghana (UG). Although he initially faced challenges due to the nature of the application process, the help of his older brother and his deter­mined spirit led him to pursue a Bache­lor of Arts degree in 2012, followed by a Master of Laws at Cardiff University in 2014.

His passion for the study of law became highly intense when he had to study alongside qualified lawyers from several jurisdictions, even though he did not have a legal background. Here, he faced the unique challenge of study­ing without sign language interpreters, relying instead on a palantypist to tran­scribe lectures.

Juventus’ role model was his profes­sor and mentor, Professor Luke Clem­ent, who profoundly inspired him in shaping his understanding of law and human rights.

He remembers Prof. Thomas Stephens from the University of Ghana School Of Law, who inspired him with his way of dressing, in-depth knowledge of the law and engagement with students.

He recounts the enormous challenges he encountered during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, when lectures moved online, and Dr Stephen’s tremendous support to ensure things moved quickly and smoothly for him.

“I also had the chance to have a few classes with the Dean himself, Prof. Raymond Atuguba. He taught the course such that some of us never felt scared as other lecturers made the course,’ he recalled.

Juventu’s academic journey was fraught with challenges, particularly in communication.

The year 2007 was the last time he studied with deaf peers. He was of­ten the only deaf person in his classes throughout the following years of his education, which made interaction with peers difficult.

Despite these hurdles, he remained high-spirited, studying late into the night and seeking help from kind class­mates when necessary.

Reflecting on his academic experience at UG, he connected his affection for the university to his older brother, who is also an alumnus. He felt inspired to be a student of the premier university, saying he would choose the University of Ghana any time, any day, if given the chance to further his studies or work.

The University Of Ghana School Of Law, along with its Dean, Professor Raymond Atuguba, the Director of Legal Education of the Ghana School of Law, Yaw Bramiah Oppong, and his capable team, including the Registrar and Depu­ty Registrar of the Ghana School of Law and the Office for Students with Special Needs (UG), made significant contribu­tions to his journey.

Prof. Atuguba acknowledged Juven­tus’ achievement as evidence of the university’s commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

Commenting on how the school accommodated his special needs, Prof. Atugugba explained that ‘In the case of Juventus, we worked closely with him to understand and address his special needs, ensuring he had access to the teaching and learning resources in the appropriate formats that would support his academic journey.

Professor Atuguba noted that Juven­tus’s journey is just beginning, and the future holds promise for him and the many lives he aims to touch along the way.

Juventus’s close friend, Ida Esi McOw­usu Esq., described her first encounter with Juventus as ‘intriguing.’ “My first meeting with Juventus was in class, where he sat right in front of me in first year,” Ida reveals. She was intrigued and wanted to find out more about him, especially how Juventus navigated his way to this level. “I got closer and we became friends from there,” she remarked.

Mr Francis Kweku Essel, Juventus’ interpreter, shed light on the primary challenges he faced in carrying out his job, particularly the complex nature of legal terminology and concepts. This validates Ida’s comment on the inter­preters’ lack of legal background as a challenge Lawyer Duorinaah encoun­tred.

Juventus dreams of becoming a judge and aims to enhance justice delivery while serving as a role model for young people with disabilities.

He is currently mentoring a group of young deaf students interested in pursuing law, hoping to pave the way for future generations. What’s next for Lawyer Juventus? His next step is to complete his pupilage, after which he can decide further his legal career.

The Nana Affum Mireku Founda­tion has donated GH¢ 10,000 towards the maiden Sickle Cell Week celebration in Kwahu.

The gesture was to support the fight against the sickle cell disease and raise awareness about the condition, promote education, and provide support to those living with it.

The week-long celebration, led by Philomena Frimpong, a Senior Nursing Officer at the Paediatrics Department of the Kwahu Govern­ment Hospital, brought together key stakeholders, including healthcare professionals, community leaders, youth, advocates, and residents.

The event highlighted the impor­tance of early detection, proper management, and the need to break the stigma surrounding sickle cell disease.

Activities commenced with an en­gaging opening ceremony, followed by a vibrant health walk through the streets of Kwahu, uniting par­ticipants under the shared cause of raising awareness.

A blood donation exercise was also organised to support individuals in need of blood, as it remains a vital aspect of managing sickle cell-relat­ed health crises.

Also, healthcare professionals provided free medical screenings to identify potential cases and offered detailed educational sessions on the condition. These sessions addressed common myths and misconceptions, equipping participants with knowl­edge about preventive measures, proper care practices, and the importance of regular health check-ups.

Commenting on the initiative, Ms Frimpong said “This support is a bea­con of hope for our community. It demonstrates that collective efforts can make a difference in tackling the challenges posed by the sickle cell disease,” she noted.

Speaking at the ceremony, Exec­utive Director of the Foundation, Sandra Mireku underscored the Foun­dation’s commitment to impacting lives and communities.

“We at the Nana Affum Mireku Foundation are thrilled to support such a laudable initiative. By raising awareness and providing resources, we believe we can change the narra­tive, enhance care for those affect­ed, and empower families to seek timely medical attention,” she said.

The Nana Affum Mireku Founda­tion also called on other leaders, organisations, and philanthropists to join the cause by investing in com­munity-driven initiatives that tackle health challenges like sickle cell disease.

• Ms Mireku presenting a dummy cheque to a representstive of the hospital

Regent University holds 18th graduation ceremony

REGENT University College of Science and Technology has held its 18th graduation ceremony with a call on students to be agents of change.

A total of 210 graduates received their degrees, comprising 178 un­dergraduates and 32 postgraduates, who completed various programmes in fields such as law, energy and sus­tainability, theology, business admin­istration, and more.

Professor Emmanuel Kingsley Kwabena Larbi, founder of the col­lege, said the purpose of education is to empower an individual to help improve his or her immediate envi­ronment and beyond.

Professor Larbi noted that such qualities were indispensable to the country’s quest to achieve food security, restore its vanishing natural resources, and chalk socio-econom­ic progress on the whole.

He charged the graduates to be among those who see their certifi­cates as a means to a greater end, saying “be the eye of those who have lost their sense of purpose; be the mouth of those who cannot speak for themselves.”

In a speech read on behalf of the Minister for Education, Dr Yaw Adut­wum, Dr Tina Abrefa Gyan, Deputy Director General, Commission for TVET, emphasised the significance of education in unlocking human potential.

Dr Gyan challenged universities to inspire students to think critically, act with integrity, and embrace their responsibilities as global citizens.

In his address, the President of Regent, Nana Yaw Boadi Appiah, commended the graduating class for their perseverance.

In attendance were members of the University Council, management, faculty, and administrative staff.

Also present were friends and fam­ily of the graduating class, alumni, and students, representatives from affiliate universities and partners, as well as distinguished guests from government, business, and tradition­al leadership. –GNA

Christmas is a festive season celebrated by most Christians worldwide to commemorate the birth of their saviour Jesus Christ.

Jesus Christ was born in Bethlehem in Roman- controlled Judea. The birth of Jesus Christ is described in the biblical gospels of Matthew and Luke, but there is no definitive historical evidence for the exact date

The gospels and historical sources do not provide a date for Jesus’ birth, but most scholars believe it was between six and four Before Christ (BC).

His parents Joseph, a carpenter was legally Jesus’ father, but Mary was a virgin when Jesus was conceived through the Holy Spirit

The commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ known as Christmas is celebrated on December 25, but there is no evidence that Jesus was born on that date. Church leaders may have chosen that date to coincide with a Roman festival.

As the season draws closer across the globe, various activities are planned by churches, organisations and families.

In Ghana, Christmas celebrations tend to start around the December 20, lasting till the New Year with lots of activities which go on during the festive period, with the main focus being on people travelling around the country to visit family and friends.

It is celebrated with a variety of traditions, including church services, gift-giving, preparing, sharing and eat­ing of traditional food like fufu with chicken or goat soup, rice and stew or jollof rice.

Church services are held late into the night, featuring dancing, drum­ming, choir singing, and sometimes a nativity play with people attending in traditional clothing, and then ex­change gifts.

In Ghana, during the festive cele­brations in homes are mostly spear­headed by women regardless of what they already do on any given day.

Women add extra chores such as buying and wrapping presents, plan­ning and preparing meals in large quantities, attending parties, stuffing food stuffs, decorating the house and ensuring everyone and everything was intact.

Women, both young and old become the pivot around which every home revolves around during festive periods especially Christmas.

All of this time-consuming, behind-the-scenes activities can make the season especially uptight, particular­ly for women. They do most of the chores at home with the mindset of this is a “me” job, “I am a better multi-tasker,” “so I will just do it.” “If I do not do it, no one will” and so forth. This they do to ensure everyone is ok during the festive season and beyond.

An American Sociological Review found that women reported doing more “cognitive labour” at home than their spouses did – anticipating, iden­tifying options, making decisions and monitoring progress.

Throughout the year, women have demonstrated remarkable dedication and perseverance, effortlessly juggling their responsibilities at home and in their various workplaces. Their ability to balance these dual roles has earned them admiration and ap­preciation from all.

At home, women have taken on numerous roles: caregivers, nurturers, educators, and managers. They have ensured the well-being and happiness of their families, often putting others’ needs be­fore their own.

In the workplace, women have made significant contributions across var­ious industries, exceling in fields such as business, healthcare, education, technology, journalism and more. Their hard work, expertise, and leadership have earned them recogni­tion and respect.

Despite facing numer­ous challenges, including gender biases and societal expectations, women have continued to thrive and make a positive impact in their communities. Their resilience, adaptability, and determination have inspired countless others.

As we celebrate the holiday season, let us take a moment to acknowledge and appreciate the tireless efforts of women every­where. Their selflessness, compassion, and dedication to their families and com­munities are truly deserv­ing of our recognition and gratitude.

As we commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ, let us also honor the women who have made a positive impact in our lives through­out the year and give them a “bow” of respect, grati­tude, and admiration.

The role of women in Ghanaian society is multifaceted and invaluable. They are the backbone of our families, providing love, support, and nurturing to their children and loved ones.

They are also pillars of our com­munities, contributing to economic development, education, healthcare, and social welfare.

This Christmas, there is the need to honor the Ghanaian woman for her unwavering dedication, resilience, and compassion and celebrate her strength, her perseverance, and her selflessness.

As we commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ, it is important to re­member the role of Mary, the mother of Jesus, who embodied the values of love, kindness, and selflessness and draw inspiration from her example and recognise the invaluable contributions of Ghanaian women to our society.

To all Ghanaian women, The Specta­tor salutes you this Christmas season. May your love, kindness, compassion, and selflessness continue to inspire us all.