Naa Adzoa Adzeley Boi-Dsane, a distinguished Medical Doctor at the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, shared her wealth of experience in the medical field and her dedication to disability inclusion during the fifth episode of the Mentorship Sessions. With a multifaceted background, her journey began with a passion for sports, excelling as a basketball player, while leading her school’s NSMQ team at Wesley Girls’ High School. Faced with the choice between basketball and NSMQ, she chose the quiz team - a decision that left her with cherished memories of mentoring others.
Dr Boi-Dsane’s journey took a significant turn when she transitioned from her early aspiration to become a mathematician to a fulfilling career in healthcare. Advocacy has been a powerful, guiding force throughout her life. Her work in the media highlighted social injustices, but it was a visit to a school for the deaf that profoundly shaped her mind. That experience ignited her commitment to learning sign language and advocating for a world where people with disabilities are fully included, respected, and empowered.
“I believe children with disabilities also deserve the opportunity to go out into the world, to see what the world has for them.” She stated.
Dr Boi-Dsane’s commitment to inclusivity shines through her pioneering efforts, such as introducing ABACUS to students at the Demonstration School for the Deaf, empowering them with a hands-on approach to mathematics. She expanded her impact through a YouTube programme to teach sign language, bridging communication gaps in healthcare for those with hearing impairments.
In advocating for women’s inclusion in STEM, Dr Boi-Dsane shared her own challenges as a black woman in science, highlighting the struggles of sexism and the pervasive societal barriers that hinder young girls from realising their dreams.
She also addressed the insensitivity of some comedians in Ghana and Nigeria, who use disability as a tool for mockery in their acts. She condemned this practice, calling it disrespectful and lacking in empathy. Her message highlighted the need for a more respectful, compassionate approach to humour, advocating for inclusive, uplifting narratives in media and comedy.
“I’ve always felt that, as a comedian, if you choose to make fun of people with disabilities, then perhaps you’re not funny enough and need to reconsider your career path.” She noted.
Dr Boi-Dsane’s message was clear: society must actively break down the barriers that hinder women and disabled people from entering the fields of STEM. She inspired the younger generation to pursue their ambitions and advocated for increased STEM initiatives in schools to uplift and educate young girls. Her mission also includes advocating for the official recognition of sign language in Ghanaian schools and introducing robotics to schools for the deaf, enabling these students to explore technology.
Dr Naa Adzoa Adzeley Boi-Dsane concluded her session by expressing her heartfelt gratitude to all those who have supported her mission to transform the lives of people living with disabilities. She also extended special thanks to her team, who have shown dedication in learning sign language, ensuring better communication with the deaf community. Her unwavering commitment to disability rights and gender equality continues to be driven by the belief that change is not only possible but essential.
Join us today at 5pm as we delve into STEM Development and Ghana Tomorrow with our Mentor, John Affaidze Appiah, the Senior Manager of Global Communications Network, AIMS Africa.
The 2024 edition of the STEM Festival is produced by Primetime Limited and proudly sponsored by Pepsodent, Jupay, Bel Beverages, YFM and GTP.