Overcoming Obstacles: From Visually Impaired Student to Law Lecturer at UCC

Carruthers Tetteh, a man whose vision may be limited, but whose ambition and dedication burn brightly, has made history as the University of Cape Coast’s (UCC) first visually impaired lecturer at the Faculty of Law.

Born with a passion for law and a desire to help the underprivileged, Tetteh’s path took an unexpected turn at the age of 11 when a drug reaction resulted in him losing his sight. Undeterred, he started his education at the Akropong School for the Blind and later transitioned to mainstream schooling. His determination shone through as he earned a Bachelor of Arts in English and History with first-class honors and the distinction of being UCC’s best visually impaired graduate in 2015. He then went on to achieve another first-class degree, this time in Law, from the same university.

Tetteh’s success is a testament to both his unwavering dedication and UCC’s supportive environment, which features accessibility resources and learning devices tailored for students with visual impairments. Sharing his story with university reporters, Tetteh recounted the moment his life changed: “In 2002, at the age of 11, I lost my sight due to a drug reaction after visiting a private health facility in Winneba.” After adjusting to life at the Akropong School for the Blind, he found his passion for law solidifying. “Reading Law has always been my interest from childhood,” he shared. “I always wanted to be in a position to advocate for the less privileged.”

Tetteh’s first lecture as a law lecturer was a resounding success, with his deep knowledge of Criminal Law captivating his Level 300 students. He credits his dedication to setting the right example as the faculty’s first visually impaired student with driving his exceptional performance. Despite facing a setback in his initial attempt to enter the Ghana School of Law in 2019, Tetteh remained steadfast. Embracing his principles of discipline and consistency, he gained admission in 2020 and was called to the Bar in 2022. Most recently, in 2023, he completed his Master of Laws in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) from the University of Ghana.

Beyond his academic achievements, Tetteh actively contributes to his community as a member of Northgate Baptist Church in Winneba, where he serves as the organist. His story is a powerful example of resilience, ambition, and the transformative power of education. As Tetteh embarks on his new chapter as a law lecturer at UCC, he undoubtedly inspires not only his students but also anyone who encounters his remarkable journey.