Ghana Federation of Disability Organisations honour Auberon Jeleel Odoom
The Ghana Federation of Disability Organisations (GFD) has conferred its highest honour, the GFD STAR Award, on disability rights advocate Auberon Jeleel Odoom, in recognition of his contributions to inclusion and empowerment.
The award was presented at the Federation’s inaugural Excellence Awards Ceremony, held to commemorate the National Day of Persons with Disabilities at the West African Genetic Medicine Centre, near the University of Ghana Medical Centre.
The ceremony brought together local and international advocates, policymakers, and organisations committed to advancing disability rights. It celebrated individuals and institutions whose work has had a tangible impact on accessibility, empowerment, and the protection of the rights of persons with disabilities.
Described in his citation as a “pathfinder and pacesetter,” Mr Odoom was recognised for his leadership and technical expertise in shaping inclusive systems both in Ghana and beyond. His work spans grassroots mobilisation and high-level policy development, covering areas such as education, employment, social protection, and humanitarian action.
Nationally, he played a pivotal role in drafting Ghana’s first Disability Inclusion Coordination Mechanism, designed to harmonise interventions across government ministries. He also chaired the drafting of Ghana’s first Disability Manifesto for Political Parties, which has become a model across Africa for ensuring political accountability on disability inclusion.
Alongside his work with GFD, Mr Odoom has consulted for international organisations including UNICEF and UNDP. His input has ensured that programmes such as cash transfer monitoring in Ghana’s drought-prone northern regions are accessible to persons with disabilities.
His influence also extends across Africa, where he serves as Secretary General of the African Disability Forum and chairs the board of Inclusion Africa. For nearly a decade, he has represented the continent on the Council of Inclusion International, advocating for African perspectives on intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Mr Odoom’s dedication to mentoring the next generation of disability advocates was also highlighted. His advocacy has led to the inclusion of disability modules in teacher training curricula and has created new employment pathways for persons with disabilities in both the public and private sectors.
The presentation of the GFD STAR Award was described as not only a personal accolade but a symbol of what is possible when expertise, commitment, and compassion converge.
The 2025 Excellence Awards, organisers noted, mark a turning point in Ghana’s disability inclusion agenda, setting a new national standard for recognising and celebrating excellence in advocacy and empowerment.
