Mr Juventus Duorinaah, Executive Director of the Ghana National Association of the Deaf(GNAD) has become the first deaf lawyer in Ghana, a historic moment for the nation’s legal community and the deaf community at large.
Mr. Duorinaah, who hails from Wa in the Upper West Region has shattered stereotypes and broken through barriers with determination, perseverance and an unwavering commitment to his dream.
His journey began at the Wa School for the Deaf, where he completed his basic education before advancing to the Senior High Technical School for the Deaf (SHTSD), graduating in 2007.
Refusing to be limited by his circumstances, he pursued higher education, earning a first-class degree in Sociology and Political Science from the University of Ghana. He furthered his academic journey by obtaining a Master of Law from Cardiff University’s School of Law and Politics, specializing in Human Rights Law.
Undeterred by the challenges that lay ahead, Mr. Duorinaah returned to Ghana to pursue his law degree (LLB) at the University of Ghana. His dedication paid off, as he successfully graduated with second-class lower honours and passed the entrance exams to enroll at the prestigious Ghana School of Law.
After six years of rigorous legal education, Mr. Duorinaah has officially been called to the bar, marking a monumental achievement not only for himself but also for the deaf community in Ghana. His expertise in human rights law will enable him to advocate effectively for the rights of deaf individuals and other marginalized communities.
Mr. Duorinaah’s journey to becoming a lawyer is a testament to his resilience, hard work, and belief in the power of education. His story serves as an inspiration to many, proving that with determination, the highest of goals can be achieved irrespective of once status.