In a momentous achievement for inclusivity in Ghana’s legal profession, Juventus Duorinaah was called to the Bar on Saturday October 11, 2024, becoming the country’s first deaf lawyer.

Hailing from WA in the Upper West Region, Duorinaah’s journey defies barriers, serving as a beacon for the deaf community and people with disabilities across Ghana.

Juventus Duorinaah becomes Ghana’s first deaf person to be called to the BAR

Early Life and Education

Born and raised in WA, Duorinaah began his schooling at the WA School for the Deaf before advancing to the Senior High Technical School for the Deaf (SHTSD), where he graduated in 2007 after passing his West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

Undeterred by challenges, he pursued higher education at the University of Ghana (UG), earning a First Class Honours degree in Sociology and Political Science.

To deepen his expertise, Duorinaah studied abroad at Cardiff University’s School of Law and Politics in the United Kingdom, obtaining a Master of Laws (LLM) in Human Rights Law.

Upon returning to Ghana, he completed another LLM at UG before tackling the rigorous six-year Professional Law Course at the Ghana School of Law. The institution provided crucial support, fully funding a sign language interpreter throughout his studies to ensure accessibility.http://www.blackenterprise.com

Call to the Bar and Historic Milestone

Duorinaah was among 777 new lawyers sworn in by the General Legal Council of Ghana during a ceremony at the Accra International Conference Centre on October 11, 2024.

His success marks a pivotal step forward, challenging stereotypes about deafness and highlighting the need for inclusive education and professional opportunities.

As Director of the Ghana National Association of the Deaf, he has long advocated for greater societal inclusion of deaf individuals, and this accomplishment amplifies his voice in legal advocacy.

Future Aspirations

Reflecting on his milestone, Duorinaah described it as “like a dream,” emphasizing his commitment to empowering the deaf community.

He aspires to become a judge, focusing on enhancing justice delivery and educating deaf Ghanaians about their rights. Currently, he mentors young deaf students pursuing law, aiming to inspire a new generation of barrier-breakers.

Duorinaah’s story underscores resilience and systemic support’s role in fostering diversity in Ghana’s legal field, proving that determination can rewrite possibilities for marginalized groups.

Nigerian celebrity chef Hilda Baci ignited Lagos with her ambitious attempt to set a Guinness World Record for the largest pot of jollof rice ever cooked. The event, dubbed the Gino World Jollof Festival, transformed Eko Hotel and Suites into a vibrant hub of Nigerian culture, drawing over 20,000 registered attendees, celebrities, and food enthusiasts.

Baci, already a global sensation for her 2023 record-breaking 93-hour and 11-minute cooking marathon, promised a “robust and hygienic” dish that would showcase the authenticity of Nigerian jollof rice on an unprecedented scale.

The vision conceived nearly two years ago, came to life with a custom-made giant pot measuring six meters in width and height, boasting a total volume of 22,619 liters—filled to 80% capacity for the cook-off. The recipe called for an astonishing 250 bags of rice (approximately 264 kg), along with generous portions of goat meat, Gino seasoning, garlic, ginger, fresh thyme, rosemary, curry, and other spices to ensure that signature smoky, spicy flavor.

Baci personally oversaw the preparation, starting with a thorough cleaning of the massive pot—climbing inside to scrub it herself for hygiene assurance. Before lighting the flames, she led an emotional prayer session with Pastor Bolaji Idowu of Harvesters International Christian Centre, blessing the endeavor.

The festival, originally planned for Muri Okunola Park in Victoria Island, was relocated to Eko Hotel due to overwhelming demand and logistical needs. Sponsored by the seasoning brand Gino, it featured live music, cultural displays, and free entry, turning the event into a full-blown celebration of West African culinary heritage. Guinness World Records sent official well-wishes via social media, with adjudicator Mark McKinley present to verify the attempt.

The cooking kicked off amid high excitement, with Baci and her team pouring in huge quantities of ingredients under the watchful eyes of the massive crowd. Social media buzzed with live updates: fans shared photos of the steaming pot, the sea of attendees, and Baci’s hands-on involvement. Celebrities like fashion designer Veekee James, content creator Tomike Adeoye, and influencer Enioluwa joined the festivities, amplifying the electric atmosphere.

The Western Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson, pledged his full support to Takoradi Technical University (TTU) during a courtesy call by the university’s management. This commitment aligns with his goal to enhance infrastructure development and academic excellence at TTU.

During a courtesy call to the Minister by the management of TTU to formally welcome him, the Western Regional Minister acknowledged the University’s immense contribution to human resource development in the Western Region and pledged to strengthen the existing collaboration between the University and the Regional Coordinating Council, RCC.

“I know the RCC has been collaborating with you on many fronts, so it will continue—perhaps even be deepened under my watch. I recognize the massive role you play in our human resource development and let me also commend you and your management for the progress the University has made from 2016 up to now,” he stated.

Minister Joseph Nelson further emphasized the importance of TTU in the Western Region’s development and assured the University of his commitment to addressing its challenges, particularly those concerning its Akatakyei campus, where illegal mining activities have been a concern.

“I have taken notice of your campus at Akatakyei and the challenges that you face. A letter came through about some galamsey activities around the area, and that has been part of some engagements we’ve had to see how the matter can be dealt with. The RCC can only support the good cause you are engaged in,” he assured.

While reiterating his open-door policy, he reassured TTU of his unwavering support for the progress of the university.

“The RCC can only support the good cause you are engaged in. Count on us and count on me as the Regional Minister to support you. If there are any issues that you think I or the RCC can assist with, don’t hesitate to come to me—my doors are always open. When TTU makes progress, the Western Region progresses. Be rest assured that you have my full support, whether it’s about infrastructure or anything else that will bring progress and be worthwhile,” he affirmed.

The Vice Chancellor of TTU, Rev. Prof. John Frank Eshun, while stating the purpose of their visit, emphasized TTU’s mandate to drive capacity building, research, and regional development.

“Our mandate is also to develop the region in terms of capacity building, research, and other areas. Since you have assumed office, I think we need to work together to develop the region in many areas, including enhancing tourist sites and exploring other business opportunities,” he emphasized.

He expressed the institution’s commitment to collaborating with the Minister’s office to enhance key sectors such as tourism, business, and infrastructure development.

“We have research directorates and other offices that I believe we can work with to help develop the region,” he added.