Beyond Sight: The Remarkable Journey of a Visually Impaired Lawyer and Lecturer

In a world fraught with obstacles and adversity, Carruthers Tetteh (ESQ) stands as the first appointed visually impaired lecturer at the University of Cape Coast. His appointment as a lecturer in Criminal Law and the Ghana Legal System not only heralds a new chapter in his illustrious career but also affirms his unwavering commitment to the pursuit of justice and equality for all.

As he imparts his knowledge and wisdom to the next generation of legal minds, Mr. Tetteh champions the cause of the less privileged, leaving an indelible mark on the fabric of Ghana’s legal landscape.

THAT ONE INCIDENT

Carruthers Tetteh is a remarkable 32-year-old who was born without any visual impairment. His life took a different turn at age 11, specifically in 2002 when he fell ill. Upon treatments given to him in the hospital, he suffered a Stevens – Johnson syndrome.

Stevens – Johnson syndrome is a rare but serious skin and membrane disorder. It is usually associated with reaction from medication. At its severe stage the Stevens-Johnson Syndrome can lead to visual impairment, which was the case of Carruthers Tetteh.

“In 2002, I was in class five when I experienced a simple headache during examination period. My mother took me to a private clinic in Winneba where I was given some injections. I went back to school but started experiencing itchiness all over my body. It felt like chickenpox initially. We later went to the hospital where I was put on admission and given more treatments and injections. Unfortunately, I was allergic to some of these medications, and I was told that I suffered a Stevens – Johnson syndrome. After I was discharged, I realized that I had lost my sight” Carruthers explained.

To Carruthers, family has been his strongest support system during this period. He affirms that family and friends are the assistive system in dealing with the society. Carruthers Tetteh (ESQ) is also a staunch and active Christian who combines his busy life as a lecturer and a youth president at his church. He is also a pianist and a singer who finds every chance as an opportunity to be happy and fulfilled.

“Family is the first point of assistance. They are the ones who will give you the phycological and emotional support to enable you adjust to the society.” He stated

“In 2003, I began my education at the Akropong School for the blind because of my predicament at the time. Before this incident, I had the chance to learn how to read and write using the braille, so it made it easy to adjust. I later transitioned into mainstream education during junior high school and continued my studies at Okuapeman Senior High School. That year my mindset changed. I became very serious with my academics because I did not want to be a blind beggar on the streets. The only way to survive is to build myself.” He continued

Despite this unexpected setback that could have easily thwarted his ambitions, it instead intensified his resolve to overcome the challenges and relentlessly chase his dreams. At the Akropong School for the Blind, he took up leadership positions and became an entertainment prefect. At Okuapeman Senior High School, he was appointed the braille library prefect for two years and was awarded the best literature student. This was the new path for Carruthers Tetteh, and he lived everyday like it was his last.

THE JOURNEY TO BECOMING A LAWYER

Carruthers wrote NOVDEC which is a yearly organized examination by the West African Examination Council (WAEC) as a private examination for candidates to enroll in the Undergraduate studies. He successfully passed and gained admission to the University of Cape Coast to study English and History in 2011. At the University he advocated for students with disability by serving on the executive board for the association of students with disability. He also contested and became the leader for the Student Representative Council (SRC) for Atlantic Hall and advocated for laptops for students living with disability.

His determination and resilience were evident when he first gained admission to the faculty of law as the first visually impaired student and later graduated with first-class honors in English and History from the University of Cape Coast in 2015, earning the distinction of being the top graduating student with visual impairment.

“I wanted to challenge myself after school, so I applied to complete my National Service at the English department as a teaching assistant from 2015 to 2016. After completing my national service, I went back to further my education by pursing my second bachelor’s degree in law, where I graduated with a first-class honor”

“Since childhood, I have always been passionate about studying law. I have had a strong desire to advocate for the less privileged, which has driven my interest throughout my life. So, in 2019 I wrote my first entrance exams to the school of law where I failed on my first attempt to gain admission. I waited for a year and interned with a law firm. In 2020, I applied for my master’s in law at the University of Ghana and wrote my entrance exams. To the glory of God, I got the admission,” he shared.

Embracing his principles of discipline and consistency, he persevered and successfully gained admission to the Ghana School of Law in 2020. He was eventually called to the Ghana Bar Association in 2022.

“At the Law Faculty of the University of Cape Coast, I dedicated myself fully to setting a high standard. Aware that I was the first visually impaired student to be admitted, I gave it my all. Although I was multi-tasking, I graduated, and I was called to the bar also. I specialize in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) as a practicing lawyer” he added.

MAKING IMPACT

Today, Carruthers Tetteh (ESQ) serves as a shining example of what can be achieved through grit, resilience, and unwavering determination. As a practicing lawyer, he brings a unique perspective to the legal profession, using his own experiences to advocate for others facing similar challenges.

In 2023, a historic and inspiring decision was made when the University of Cape Coast appointed Mr. Carruthers Tetteh, as a lecturer in its prestigious Faculty of Law. This appointment marked a significant milestone in the journey towards inclusivity and diversity in higher education and the legal profession.

During his inaugural lecture, Mr. Tetteh’s profound understanding of Criminal Law captivated his Level 300 students, earning their admiration and respect.

“At the faculty of law, I am handling Ghana legal system and criminal Law. I employ the audio method when teaching, where I appoint a student to read the slides I provide and then proceed to explain.”

“I am a board member of Hope for future generation and Naa oo Naa Foundation. I have had the opportunity of attending seminars and give speeches as an advocate for the less privileged and person’s living with disability. Anything that has to do with advocacy, legal education and championing the rights of women and children. This is to also serve as a motivation for the youth.” He concluded.