Acheampong Joel

Joel was born on 5 February 1975 in Kwadaso, Kumasi, Ghana. At the age of six, he contracted poliomyelitis, which left him unable to use his arms, hands, or legs. Determined to pursue his education, Joel learned to write by holding a pen between his teeth — a skill that later became the foundation of his artistic journey.

In 1996, he began to draw and paint using the same method. Recognising his perseverance, the headmistress of his primary school, Cecilia Menka, admitted him into the sixth year when he was 21 years old. Four years later, Joel successfully passed the BSCE exam and went on to graduate from Jachie Pramso Senior High School in Kumasi.

Through dedication and self-discipline, Joel refined his mouth-painting technique both independently and with guidance from art teacher Mark Gyebi Nyante. His persistence and talent have earned him widespread recognition — his exhibitions have attracted significant attention, and his story has been featured in numerous print and television reports.