Representations of persons with disabilities in the media: A case study of Ghana’s local movie Industry (Kumawood)

From very primitive notions about persons with disabilities to a society that has become more accepting to persons with disabilities, Ghana has made some recognisable progress in this regard. Such progress includes reduced stigmatization, the establishment of Persons with Disability rights act in 2006, incorporating disability studies in mainstream university curriculum, among other initiatives. Such progress is seen in how the media, especially the news media for more responsible and progressive representations of persons with disabilities with the result that there is greater opportunity and access to all facilities and services for disabled persons. This research focuses on Kumawood, one of the most powerful and influential movie companies in Ghana. In particular, this work explores and analyses the impact and influence of representations of persons with disabilities in Kumawood productions, and the positive and negative attitudes and perceptions that might result from these representations. The aim of the research is to identify if such progress is evident in the local movie industry. The literature review covers the progress made in disability research in Ghana and focuses on how impactful media is on the notions of disability, most especially in a developing country like Ghana.