THE MINISTER for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Hon. Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, has issued a heartfelt appeal to Ghanaian parents – particularly those raising children with disabilities – not to abandon their children during times of hardship.
Speaking during a working tour of child protection facilities in the Greater Accra Region, Hon. Naa Momo encouraged families to seek support from relevant institutions instead of resorting to neglect or abandonment.
“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 with the government and other stakeholders to ensure their welfare,” she said.
The Minister’s visit on Wednesday, June 11, 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. The tour was part of efforts to assess operational challenges and conditions at the various facilities.
She stressed the need for compassion and community support, reiterating the Mahama administration’s commitment to strengthening social protection systems, especially for children with disabilities and victims of abuse.
“President Mahama is deeply committed to reducing vulnerability and improving services for Ghana’s most at-risk children,” she emphasized.
Facility managers shared concerns over deteriorating infrastructure, lack of specialized care for children with disabilities and the need for night security.
Hon. Dr. Naa Momo pledged her Ministry’s commitment to addressing these issues, promising to mobilize donor and corporate support to improve facility standards, particularly ahead of the rainy season.
At the Osu Children’s Home, staff member Mr. Dartey Reindorf noted that the home, originally a temporary shelter, has become a permanent refuge due to the low rate of adoptions – especially for children with special needs.
The home currently houses 132 children (90 boys and 42 girls) and often receives requests for admission from across the country, which it struggles to accommodate due to space and resource constraints.
Reindorf appealed to the Minister to consider establishing specialized child care centers in every regional capital to meet the growing demand.
Other facilities also face resource shortages. The Girls’ Correctional Centre is currently rehabilitating 10 girls through vocational training. The Shelter for Abused Children accommodates 19 children, and the Boys’ Correctional Centre is home to one child.
Managers of these institutions called on the Ministry to deploy night security personnel to enhance the safety of the children and staff. Hon. Naa Momo assured them that their concerns had been taken seriously and would form part of the Ministry’s wider child protection reform agenda.
“Our goal is to ensure these centres uphold the dignity and well-being of every child,” she said. “We are identifying urgent issues that can be quickly addressed, while working on long-term solutions with partners.”
The Minister’s tour marks a renewed push to prioritize the rights and safety of vulnerable children across the country, with a strong message: no child should be left behind.
Accra, June 11, 2025 — The Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Hon. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, has issued a heartfelt appeal to Ghanaian parents – particularly those raising children with disabilities – not to abandon their children during times of hardship.
Speaking during a working tour of child protection facilities in the Greater Accra Region, Hon. Naa Momo encouraged families to seek support from relevant institutions instead of resorting to neglect or abandonment.
“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 with the government and other stakeholders to ensure their welfare,” she said.
The Minister’s visit on Wednesday, June 11, 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. The tour was part of efforts to assess operational challenges and conditions at the various facilities.
She stressed the need for compassion and community support, reiterating the Mahama administration’s commitment to strengthening social protection systems, especially for children with disabilities and victims of abuse.
“President Mahama is deeply committed to reducing vulnerability and improving services for Ghana’s most at-risk children,” she emphasized.
Facility managers shared concerns over deteriorating infrastructure, lack of specialized care for children with disabilities and the need for night security.
Hon. Naa Momo pledged her Ministry’s commitment to addressing these issues, promising to mobilize donor and corporate support to improve facility standards, particularly ahead of the rainy season.
At the Osu Children’s Home, staff member Mr. Dartey Reindorf noted that the home, originally a temporary shelter, has become a permanent refuge due to the low rate of adoptions – especially for children with special needs.
The home currently houses 132 children (90 boys and 42 girls) and often receives requests for admission from across the country, which it struggles to accommodate due to space and resource constraints.
Reindorf appealed to the Minister to consider establishing specialized child care centers in every regional capital to meet the growing demand.
Other facilities also face resource shortages. The Girls’ Correctional Centre is currently rehabilitating 10 girls through vocational training. The Shelter for Abused Children accommodates 19 children, and the Boys’ Correctional Centre is home to one child.
Managers of these institutions called on the Ministry to deploy night security personnel to enhance the safety of the children and staff. Hon. Naa Momo assured them that their concerns had been taken seriously and would form part of the Ministry’s wider child protection reform agenda.
“Our goal is to ensure these centres uphold the dignity and well-being of every child,” she said. “We are identifying urgent issues that can be quickly addressed, while working on long-term solutions with partners.”
The Minister’s tour marks a renewed push to prioritize the rights and safety of vulnerable children across the country, with a strong message: no child should be left behind.
Source: Nationaltymes.com
