Juventus Duorinaah has made history as the first hearing-impaired lawyer in Ghana, a groundbreaking achievement that marks a significant milestone for both the legal profession and the disability community in the country. Mr. Duorinaah was among 777 new lawyers enrolled at a ceremony held on Friday, October 11, 2024, at the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC).
Born in Wa, in the Upper West Region, Duorinaah’s journey is a testament to resilience and determination. His academic path began at the Wa School for the Deaf, where he laid the foundation for his education. In 2007, he graduated from the Senior High Technical School for the Deaf (SHTSD), showcasing early on his commitment to excellence despite the challenges he faced as a person with hearing impairment.
Driven by a desire to break barriers, Duorinaah pursued higher education at the University of Ghana (UG), where he earned a first-class degree in Sociology and Political Science. His success continued on the international stage when he earned a Master of Laws (LLM) degree in Human Rights Law from the School of Law and Politics at Cardiff University in the UK.
Upon returning to Ghana, Duorinaah enrolled in the LLB program at UG, graduating with second-class lower honours. He then successfully passed the entrance exams for the Ghana School of Law, where he endured six years of rigorous training to fulfill his dream of becoming a lawyer.
The Ghana School of Law played a critical role in supporting Duorinaah’s legal education. They provided full financial support for a sign language interpreter throughout his studies, ensuring he had the necessary resources to complete his education without any additional expenses.
On October 11, 2024, Juventus Duorinaah was officially called to the bar, marking the peak of years of hard work, perseverance, and a pioneering spirit. His achievement represents not only a personal triumph but also an inspirational milestone for Ghana’s disability community, proving that determination and resilience can overcome even the most formidable challenges.
Duorinaah’s success serves as a beacon of hope and empowerment for People Living with Disability in Ghana, showing that no barrier is too great to overcome in the pursuit of one’s dreams.
