Bleached Babies: Dr. Titus Beyuo shares how his son faced school discrimination over skin color

Dr. Titus Beyuo, MP for Lambussie and Health Committee member, shared a personal story. His young son faced discrimination at school due to his skin tone.

He spoke on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show about the documentary "Bleached Babies: The Cost of Beauty." This documentary highlights the harmful effects of skin bleaching and colorism in Ghana.

Dr. Beyuo recounted how his four-year-old son felt sad after seeing a billboard. The billboard featured his schoolmates, but he was not in the front. He told his mother that he had been moved to the back during the photo shoot.

This incident affected his son deeply. As a result, Dr. Beyuo and his wife decided to change schools for him.

Dr. Beyuo noted that society favors fairer skin tones. He emphasized that this issue affects educated people too. His son even asked if he could get a cream to lighten his skin.

He connected this experience to broader societal attitudes towards skin tone. He also shared another case from his medical practice involving a patient with a dark-skinned baby.

The mother wondered if her baby would become lighter as they grew up. When Dr. Beyuo said he couldn't guarantee it, she began bleaching her baby’s skin.

He had to counsel her and refer her to a psychologist afterward.

Dr. Beyuo warned that this issue is not just about ignorance. Many people are aware of the side effects of bleaching but still feel societal pressure.

He explained that colorism varies across different societies. In some cultures, people want darker skin; in others, lighter skin is preferred.

Dr. Beyuo urged Ghanaians to consider the health risks of skin bleaching seriously. “People must be mindful of the medical consequences,” he said.