Prof. Wisdom Kwadwo Mprah, a senior lecturer at the Centre for Disability and Rehabilitation Studies at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), has made history as the first deaf professor in West Africa
KNUST announced this remarkable achievement on February 13, 2025, through a Facebook post, celebrating his inspiring academic journey and contributions to disability research
Prof. Mprah’s early education took place in the Oti Region, where he attended primary school under Trees before moving on to Krachi Secondary School and Okuapemman Secondary School. He later pursued his undergraduate and master’s degrees at the University of Cape Coast (UCC). However, during his master’s studies, he lost his hearing just before completing the program.
Navigating this unexpected challenge, he decided to attend Mampong School for the Deaf to learn sign language. His determination led him to further his studies abroad, eventually earning a PhD in Disability Studies from the University of Illinois at Chicago through a scholarship opportunity.
In 2013, he joined KNUST as a lecturer, focusing his research on mental and reproductive health issues affecting persons with disabilities. One of his pioneering contributions has been the development of new sign language terms for mental health conditions, helping bridge communication gaps in disability healthcare.
Prof. Mprah’s promotion to professor marks a significant milestone for both himself and the deaf community, challenging misconceptions about the capabilities of individuals with hearing impairments. He emphasizes that intelligence is not linked to speech and that, with the right resources and support, deaf individuals can excel in any field.
Encouraging students with disabilities to pursue their aspirations, he advocates for improved support systems, including more interpreters for deaf students, increased access to braille for visually impaired individuals, and better infrastructure to accommodate mobility challenges.
While acknowledging KNUST’s efforts to foster an inclusive environment, he calls for further enhancements to support persons with disabilities. Committed to advancing disability rights, Prof. Mprah continues to work on projects to improve education and healthcare accessibility, striving for a society where inclusivity is the norm rather than the exception.
By Agyemang Effie | Ghana News Guide |13th February 2025
