The Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Hon. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, has made a passionate appeal to Ghanaian parents—especially those with children living with disabilities—not to abandon their children in times of difficulty or financial strain.
She urged parents to keep their children at home and work with relevant institutions to find appropriate support systems rather than resorting to neglect or abandonment.
The Minister made this call on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, during a working visit to several child protection facilities in the Greater Accra Region. The visit aimed to familiarize herself and her team with the current conditions and operational challenges at the centers.
Her tour included stops at the Osu Children’s Home, Girls’ Correctional Centre, Shelter for Abused Children, and the Boys’ Correctional Centre, all located in South Labone.
Hon. Naa Momo stressed the importance of love, care, and compassion in raising children with special needs and reiterated that the government of President John Dramani Mahama remains committed to supporting such families.
“Growing up in a family setting is the best environment for any child. I urge parents not to give up on their children but to work together with the government and relevant stakeholders to ensure their welfare,” she stated.
She emphasized the need for collaboration among institutions, corporate partners, and development agencies to address the many challenges vulnerable children and their caregivers face.
The Minister also highlighted President Mahama’s vision of reducing vulnerability and strengthening social protection systems, especially for children with disabilities and those who are victims of abuse.
Addressing facility managers, she acknowledged the many challenges they face, including dilapidated infrastructure and limited resources. She pledged the Ministry’s commitment to mobilizing support from donor agencies and corporate bodies to improve conditions.
“The goal is to ensure these centres deliver quality services that protect the dignity and well-being of all children under their care,” she noted, adding that special attention will be given to improving facilities ahead of the rainy season.
She further noted that the government is identifying “low-hanging fruits”—urgent but easily solvable issues—and will work with stakeholders to implement lasting solutions.
At the Osu Children’s Home, Mr. Dartey Reindorf, a staff member, explained that although the home was initially built as a temporary shelter, it has now become a permanent residence for children with special needs due to the low rate of adoption.
He revealed that the home regularly receives calls from as far as northern Ghana requesting admissions for children with disabilities. However, because the facility lacks the appropriate infrastructure, they are unable to admit many of them. He appealed to the Minister to consider establishing similar specialized centres in all regional capitals to address this growing need.
The Osu Children’s Home currently accommodates 132 children—90 boys and 42 girls.
At the Girls’ Correctional Centre, 10 girls are currently undergoing rehabilitation through vocational training. The Shelter for Abused Children houses 19 children, while the Boys’ Correctional Centre currently cares for one child.
Managers of the Girls’ Correctional Centre, Shelter for Abused Children, and Boys’ Correctional Centre all appealed to the Minister to provide night security personnel to enhance safety at the facilities.
Hon. Naa Momo assured them that their concerns have been noted and would be addressed as part of a broader strategy to strengthen child protection services across the country.