The Ghana Society of the Physically Disabled (GSPD) has issued a scathing condemnation of Prophet Telvin Sowah Adjei, leader of the Prophetic Life Embassy, following derogatory remarks he made regarding persons with disabilities.
The controversy stems from a widely circulated video in which the Prophet was seen admonishing his congregants to hide family members with disabilities from their prospective marriage partners.
In a comical manner, the Prophet claimed that exposing such relatives could discourage suitors, who might fear that they would similarly produce children with disabilities in the future.
A Violation of Human Rights
In a press statement, the GSPD labeled the comments as offensive, unacceptable, and a direct promotion of stigma and discrimination.
The Society emphasised that such rhetoric violates the inherent dignity and rights of persons with disabilities, which are protected under the 1992 Constitution of Ghana and the Persons with Disability Act, 2006 (Act 715).
“Ghana is a State Party to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities,” the statement noted.
“The Convention requires respect for inherent dignity, non-discrimination, and full participation of persons with disabilities in society. Public speech that dehumanises persons with disabilities breaches these obligations.”
Demands for Redress
The GSPD has officially demanded the following actions from Prophet Telvin Sowah Adjei:
1. The immediate withdrawal of the derogatory remarks.
2. An unconditional public apology to all persons with disabilities and the general public.
The Society reminded religious leaders of their duty to uphold human rights and promote social respect, rather than fueling exclusion and prejudice.
The “Religious Model” of Stigma
This incident has brought to the fore the ‘religious model’ of disability, the oldest framework for interpreting disability.
Historically, this model has viewed disability through the lens of divine intervention, often characterising it as a punishment for sin (by the individual or their ancestors) or a test of faith.
Disability rights advocates argue that when religious leaders like Prophet Sowah treat disability as a shameful secret or a “curse” that could be passed on, they reinforce centuries-old stigmas that lead to social exclusion and dehumanisation.
The GSPD’s intervention serves as a reminder that while various models of disability, including the medical and social models, have evolved over time to promote inclusion, the religious model continues to be used by some to justify discrimination.
The GSPD concluded by urging the public and the media to reject such narratives and stand in solidarity with persons with disabilities to ensure their full participation in all aspects of Ghanaian society.
SOURCE: DisabilityNewsGH.com
