A visually impaired teacher, Mr. Isaac Anim Baah, has filed a lawsuit against the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and three of its officials, alleging discrimination in handling his application for further studies.
According to the lawsuit filed on August 29, 2024, at the Kumasi High Court, Mr. Anim Baah, who teaches at the Nkwanta Kese Methodist Junior High School in the Ashanti Region, applied for a doctorate degree programme in Public Health at KNUST in 2023.
He disclosed his disability during the application process and was subsequently invited for an interview. However, he was unexpectedly informed that his admission was an error and revoked.
He further alleges that his name remains on the published list of admitted students and he continues to receive communications from the university.
The plaintiff claims that the defendants, including the Registrar of KNUST, the Dean of Graduate Studies, and the Dean of the School of Public Health, have been negligent and discriminatory in their handling of his application.
Mr. Anim Baah’s lawyers argue that the revocation of his admission offer is unjust and that he has suffered pain, anxiety, and emotional instability as a result.
They also claim that the defendants’ actions amount to discrimination based on his disability, contrary to the Persons with Disabilities Act, 2006, and the Sustainable Development Goals.
The lawsuit demands that the court:
• Declare that the defendants have failed to exercise due diligence in handling his application.
• Order compensation of Gh¢1 million for damages.
• Award legal costs.
The case highlights concerns about inclusive education and equal opportunities for persons with disabilities in Ghana. The court’s decision is eagerly awaited, as it may set a precedent for addressing discrimination in educational institutions.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
