The Fashion Model Who Moved to Ghana and Wrapped Her Prosthetic Leg in Kente Cloth

Introduction

In a powerful fusion of fashion, identity, and advocacy, Ghanaian-American model and author Abena Christine Jon’el has captured global attention by walking the runway in Accra wrapped in vibrant Kente cloth—including her prosthetic leg. Her story is not just about style; it’s a bold statement on disability visibility, cultural pride, and the transformative power of belonging. This article explores her inspiring journey from a childhood cancer survivor in Chicago to a trailblazing figure reshaping how Ghana views disability and inclusion.

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Key Points

Background

Early Life and Cancer Diagnosis

Abena’s life changed forever at just two years old when doctors discovered a large tumor on her right calf—a sign of rhabdomyosarcoma, an aggressive soft-tissue cancer. Faced with a heartbreaking choice between radiation therapy, which could have left her wheelchair-bound, or amputation, her mother chose the latter. “It was the best decision she could have made,” Abena reflects today.

Growing up in Chicago, Abena’s early years were defined by treatment, recovery, and learning to navigate the world with a prosthetic leg. Movement became both a measure of survival and a way to rebuild confidence. Yet, she was never the quiet, compliant “inspirational” child often portrayed in media. Instead, she was loud, spirited, and determined to live fully.

A Journey to Self-Discovery

Long before modeling or public speaking, Abena felt an inexplicable pull toward Africa. As a young adult in the U.S., she immersed herself in books about pre-colonial West African history. That curiosity turned into a calling when she visited Ghana in 2021. Standing at the Assin Manso Slave River site, she experienced a profound moment of belonging: “It rearranged my entire understanding of myself.”

Returning to the U.S., she fell into a deep depression, feeling torn from a place her soul recognized as home. Three months later, she packed her bags and moved to Ghana permanently.

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Analysis

Cultural Identity and Belonging

Abena’s decision to wrap her prosthetic leg in Kente cloth is deeply symbolic. Kente, a brightly colored woven fabric native to Ghana, represents heritage, pride, and identity. For Abena, it’s more than decoration—it’s a declaration: “It always has been, and always will be, Kente. It represents my love for this country, its heritage, its joy.”

Living in Ghana, she has been embraced by the community as one of their own. She now lives with a Ghanaian mother who introduces her as her daughter. “I am Ghanaian by ancestry and adoption,” she says proudly. Her identity is not performative but ancestral, echoing Kwame Nkrumah’s words: “I am not African because I was born in Africa, but because Africa was born in me.”

Disability Advocacy in Ghana

Abena’s advocacy work highlights a stark contrast between the treatment of disabled individuals in the U.S. and Ghana. In the U.S., while ableism persists, there is at least an attempt at inclusion and accessibility. In Ghana, she notes, the issue is not a lack of compassion but a lack of visibility.

“In Ghana, disabled people have not been widely showcased in a positive light,” she explains. “So stigma thrives. Negativity thrives. People don’t see us in strong or beautiful or joyful positions; they see us only in struggle.”

Her mission is to change that narrative—not through pity, but through representation. By walking the runway with confidence and pride, she forces society to see disabled people as “ambitious, fashionable, talented, evolved, proud, and human.”

The Power of Fashion as Activism

Abena’s appearance at Rhythms on the Runway was more than a fashion moment—it was activism. Approaching the organizers directly, she knew her presence would be significant: “If I wanted inclusivity in the IT, I had to be willing to take that first step.”

When she stepped onto the runway, her Kente-wrapped prosthetic gleaming under the lights, the room shifted. Tourism, Culture and Arts Minister Abla Dzifa Gomashie called her walk “a powerful affirmation that talent, beauty, and confidence know no boundaries.” Organizer Shirley Emma Tibilla added, “Abena’s presence was absolutely powerful. This is what true inclusion looks like.”

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Practical Advice

How to Support Disability Inclusion in Fashion and Beyond

1. **Amplify Disabled Voices**: Share stories and achievements of people with disabilities on social media and in your community.
2. **Demand Representation**: Encourage brands, events, and media to include diverse bodies and abilities in their campaigns.
3. **Challenge Stereotypes**: Avoid framing disabled individuals as either tragic or inspirational; recognize their full humanity.
4. **Advocate for Accessibility**: Push for physical and digital accessibility in public spaces, workplaces, and events.
5. **Educate Yourself**: Learn about the history and culture of disability rights to better understand the challenges faced.

Embracing Cultural Identity

1. **Learn About Your Heritage**: Explore your ancestral roots through literature, travel, or community engagement.
2. **Celebrate Cultural Symbols**: Incorporate meaningful cultural elements—like Kente cloth—into your personal style or advocacy.
3. **Build Community**: Connect with others who share your background or experiences to foster belonging.

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FAQ

Conclusion

Abena Christine Jon’el’s journey is a testament to resilience, identity, and the power of visibility. From surviving childhood cancer to reclaiming her place in Ghana, she has transformed personal struggle into public advocacy. Her Kente-wrapped prosthetic leg is more than a fashion statement—it’s a symbol of belonging, pride, and the fight for inclusion. As she continues to walk runways and break barriers, Abena reminds us that disability is not a limitation, but a part of the rich tapestry of human experience. Ghana is her home, and through her work, she is making it a more inclusive one for all.

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