Nana Yaa Ohenewaa Kuffuor, daughter of Mary Amoah Kuffuor defying odds despite battling autism
Mary Amoah Kuffuor, an advocate for autism, which is a neurological disorder that impairs communication and interaction abilities, has called for the creation of a Ghanaian society that embraces and accepts individuals living with autism.
In a statement raising awareness for autism on the occasion of World Autism Day, on April 2, 2025, Mary Amoah Kuffuor, who has an autistic daughter who defies expectations despite her condition, emphasised the importance of fostering an inclusive society.
She explained that such a society, one that embraces and recognises the values, worth, and contributions of individuals with autism, will make significant progress in overcoming stereotypes and promoting positive change.
Kuffuor also shared the struggles associated with the medical condition but said that the strong bond within their family, along with the love and dedication to supporting her daughter, has helped them overcome these challenges.
“But our journey hasn’t been without its struggles. There have been times when we’ve felt isolated, misunderstood, and overwhelmed. Times when we’ve wondered if we’re doing enough, if we’re making a difference. But through it all, our love for our daughter has remained constant.
“As a family, we’ve made a commitment to accept the challenges that come with autism, and to support our daughter every step of the way. We’ve learned to communicate in her language, to see the world through her eyes, and to celebrate her unique gifts and talents,” she said in a statement.
Read her statement below:/b>
Today, we celebrate World Autism Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness and promoting acceptance of individuals with autism. As a parent of a beautiful daughter with autism, I’ve had a front-row seat to the challenges and joys that come with this journey.
Autism has touched our family in ways we never could have imagined. It’s brought us to our knees in frustration, but also to our feet in celebration. It’s taught us patience, empathy, and unconditional love. And it’s shown us that with acceptance and support, individuals with autism can thrive.
But our journey hasn’t been without its struggles. There have been times when we’ve felt isolated, misunderstood, and overwhelmed. Times when we’ve wondered if we’re doing enough, if we’re making a difference. But through it all, our love for our daughter has remained constant.
As a family, we’ve made a commitment to accept the challenges that come with autism, and to support our daughter every step of the way. We’ve learned to communicate in her language, to see the world through her eyes, and to celebrate her unique gifts and talents.
But we can’t do it alone. We need a community that accepts and includes individuals with autism. A community that recognizes their value, their worth, and their contributions. A community that provides opportunities for education, employment, and socialisation.
So today, on World Autism Day, I urge you to join us in promoting acceptance and inclusion. Let’s break down barriers, challenge stereotypes, and create a world where individuals with autism can thrive.
Let’s show our love, our support, and our commitment to individuals with autism. Let’s celebrate their differences, and recognise that they are not disabilities, but rather unique abilities.
Together, we can create a world that is more accepting, more inclusive, and more loving. A world where individuals with autism can live, learn, and thrive.
To learn more about autism, please visit our page on Facebook, ‘My journey with autism’.
MAG/AE
Ever heard of a colonial fort with a children’s dungeon and a unique shrine for the slaves? Find out the details with Etsey Atisu as he toured Fort William at Anomabo below: