The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, has reversed its decision to deny admission to visually impaired teacher, Mr. Isaac Anim Baah, offering him an unconditional place in its PhD in Public Health programme.
The university’s decision comes after Mr. Baah filed a lawsuit alleging discrimination and negligence in the handling of his application.
Mr. Baah, who had initially been accepted into the programme in 2023, was later informed that his admission was an error and revoked. Despite repeated attempts to seek an explanation from KNUST, his requests were ignored.
Mr. Anim Baah who suspected that the revocation of his admission was based on his disability said, the university’s actions caused him significant emotional distress and denied him a scholarship opportunity.
In his lawsuit, filed on August 29, 2024, Mr. Baah sought compensation of Gh¢1 million for damages and a declaration of negligence against KNUST. He argued that the university’s actions were discriminatory and violated his rights as a person with a disability.
However, on Monday, September 2, 2024, KNUST issued a letter to Mr. Baah’s lawyers, offering him unconditional admission to the programme. The university also pledged to provide him with necessary resources to facilitate his studies, though he will need to obtain some assistive technologies himself.
“The University (School of Public Health) has agreed to offer your client, Mr. Isaac Anim Baah, admission into the PhD programme unconditionally,” the letter stated.
While KNUST has offered to settle the case, the Ghana Disability Forum, a disability advocacy group supporting Mr. Baah’s legal action, advises him to proceed with the lawsuit. The group believes the case’s outcome could set a precedent for addressing discrimination in educational institutions.
In the opinion of the group, this case highlights the need for greater accountability and transparency in how universities handle applications from individuals with disabilities, and, therefore, considers a determination by the court as critical.
The lawsuit is ongoing, and the court will determine whether KNUST’s actions constitute discrimination and negligence. This case has drawn attention to the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in accessing higher education and underscores the need for universities to actively promote inclusivity and accessibility.
SOURCE: DisabilityNewsGH.com