At a recent fashion showcase in Accra, Ghanaian-American model and writer Abena Christine Jon’el made a powerful statement on disability visibility by walking the runway with her prosthetic leg boldly wrapped in colourful kente cloth, redefining beauty, culture and inclusion in one striking moment.

A Runway Walk That Spoke Louder Than Words

Abena appeared at the renowned Rhythms on the Runway fashion event, where her presence immediately drew attention—not for spectacle, but for meaning. Her kente-wrapped prosthetic leg symbolised pride, identity and resistance to the long-standing invisibility of people living with disabilities in fashion and public life. According to MyJoyOnline, the moment was intentionally crafted to challenge stereotypes and provoke honest conversations about representation.

From Childhood Cancer to Global Advocacy

Abena lost her right leg at the age of two after being diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare and aggressive soft-tissue cancer. The amputation, while life-saving, marked the beginning of a lifelong journey navigating society’s attitudes toward disability. Now 33, she has transformed her lived experience into a platform for advocacy, storytelling and creative expression.

Choosing Ghana as Home

After first visiting Ghana in 2021, Abena says she felt a deep emotional and cultural connection to the country and later relocated permanently to Accra. Her embrace of Ghanaian textiles—particularly kente—goes beyond fashion, serving as a visual declaration of belonging and love for the country she now calls home. Her story adds to the growing narratives of diaspora Africans reconnecting with their roots, a theme frequently highlighted on GhanaMedia.net.

Redefining Disability Beyond Inspiration Tropes

Abena has been clear that she does not want to be framed as “inspirational” simply for existing with a disability. Instead, she insists on being seen fully—as ambitious, stylish, talented, complex and proud. “Disability is not a limitation,” she has said, emphasising that social barriers and lack of accessibility, not physical differences, are what truly disable people.

A Call for Visibility and Inclusion

Her runway appearance has since been praised by fashion enthusiasts, disability advocates and cultural commentators as a necessary intervention in Ghana’s creative space. By placing disability at the centre of beauty and high fashion, Abena Christine Jon’el has expanded the definition of representation and reminded audiences that inclusion is not charity—it is visibility, respect and truth.