Rev. Seth Ativor, PCG’s first visually impaired ordained minister

When Rev. Seth Kwame Ativor lost his sight at the age of two, few would have imagined that he would one day make history as the first visually impaired minister to be ordained in the Presbyterian Church of Ghana (PCG).

Through determination, faith and unwavering resilience, he has overcome numerous barriers to become an educator, minister and advocate for inclusion.

Born in 1981 at Afife in the Volta Region, Rev. Ativor grew up in a family whose spiritual journey would later influence his own path.

His father was a traditional priest who later converted to Christianity and joined the Evangelical Presbyterian Church.

As a young child, Rev. Ativor suddenly lost his sight. Although the exact cause was never established, the condition changed the course of his life.

The loss of vision brought educational and social challenges at a time when support systems and learning materials for visually impaired students were limited.

Despite these obstacles, he remained focused on his education. He attended Okuapeman Secondary School, where he successfully completed his secondary education before gaining admission to the University of Cape Coast (UCC), where he obtained his first degree.

His passion for learning did not end there. He furthered his studies at the University of Education, Winneba (UEW), earning two master’s degrees.

He is currently pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), demonstrating his commitment to lifelong learning and personal development.

Today, Rev. Ativor serves as an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) teacher at Okuapeman Senior High School, where he continues to impact the lives of students through education and mentorship.

Although deeply involved in church activities, Rev. Ativor never envisioned himself becoming a minister.

His journey into ministry began after joining Christ Congregation of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana in 2002. It was during his time in the church that he felt a strong conviction that God was calling him into pastoral ministry.

Initially, he resisted the call.

“I never dreamt of becoming a minister. There was no pastoral background in my family and nothing in my life suggested that I would one day enter the ministry,” he recounted.

The challenge was not only personal. At the time, questions arose about whether a totally blind person could effectively serve as an ordained minister in the church.

Following extensive consultations and discussions among church leaders, Rev. Ativor was eventually granted the opportunity to sit for the church’s entrance examinations and interviews for ministerial training.

He excelled and was admitted to the Presbyterian theological training programme.

After years of theological education and preparation, he was ordained on July 15, becoming the first visually impaired minister in the history of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana.

Rev. Ativor’s ordination marked a significant milestone in the church’s efforts towards inclusion.

He explained that the Presbyterian Church has, over the years, made deliberate efforts to create opportunities for groups that were previously marginalised, including women and persons with disabilities.

For him, becoming the first visually impaired minister is not merely a personal achievement but a symbol of what is possible when institutions embrace diversity and equal opportunity.

“My prayer is that I will not remain the first. I hope many more persons with disabilities will be given the opportunity to serve God and society according to their gifts and calling,” he said.

As both an ICT teacher and minister, Rev. Ativor relies heavily on assistive technology to perform his duties.

Using specialised computer software, he is able to access the Bible, theological books, commentaries and other educational materials independently. Technology enables him to prepare sermons, conduct research and perform many of his responsibilities effectively.

He also acknowledges the support of his family, church members and colleagues who assist him when necessary.

His wife, children and siblings have been a constant source of encouragement throughout his educational, professional and ministerial journey.

According to Rev. Ativor, one of the greatest lessons blindness has taught him is humility.

While he values independence, he has learned that accepting help is sometimes necessary and that collaboration makes it possible to achieve greater things.

His experience has also deepened his understanding of the barriers faced by persons with disabilities.

“It is not blindness itself that disables me. It is inaccessible environments, inaccessible information and negative attitudes that create disability,” he emphasised.

He believes society must shift from viewing persons with disabilities as dependent individuals to recognising them as people with talents, skills and the capacity to contribute meaningfully to national development.

Rev. Ativor’s message to young people living with disabilities is to never allow limitations to define their future.

He encourages them to discover their talents, pursue education and remain determined despite challenges.

“Disability does not mean inability. God has given every person unique abilities and a purpose. Focus on what you can do and strive to make a difference,” he advised.

He also called on parents, schools, churches, policymakers and communities to create inclusive spaces that enable persons with disabilities to thrive.

By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu