MINISTER’S MONITORING VISIT TO CHILD CARE INSTITUTIONS IN ACCRA

On 11th June 2025, the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Hon. Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, paid a working visit to selected child protection and welfare institutions under the Ministry in the Greater Accra Region.

She was accompanied by the Chief Director, Dr. Afisah Zakariah; Director of Social Protection, Madam Francisca Atuluk; and Director of the Department of Social Welfare, Dr. Prince Boamah Abrah.

The visit formed part of the Ministry’s efforts to strengthen child protection services and ensure the well-being of vulnerable children in institutional care. It aimed at assessing the quality of care, monitoring facility conditions, and engaging with both caregivers and children.

Institutions visited included the Osu Children’s Home, Shelter for Abused Children, Girls’ Correctional Centre, and Boys’ Remand Home.

At the Osu Children’s Home, the Minister was warmly received by staff and interacted with children. Caregivers shared their challenges and called for more support to improve child welfare and development.

At the Shelter for Abused Children, she was briefed on services available to survivors of abuse and trafficking. She reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to providing safe spaces and enhancing care for such vulnerable children.

At the Girls’ Correctional Centre, the Minister encouraged the girls to remain focused on rehabilitation and personal growth. She praised their resilience and commended the staff for their role in reintegration efforts.

During her stop at the Boys’ Remand Home, the Minister emphasized the importance of tailored rehabilitation and reintegration programmes for boys in conflict with the law.

Speaking to the media, Hon. Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey expressed concern over poor infrastructure and limited resources at many facilities. She assured that government would collaborate with corporate bodies and development partners to address these challenges.

“The government remains committed to creating safe and supportive spaces for all vulnerable persons, especially children and persons with disabilities,” she said.

She also condemned the growing practice of abandoning children with special needs at care centres, stressing that such children deserve love, care, and support, not rejection. She noted that government has put in place mechanisms to support families in caring for these children.

The Minister further highlighted ongoing Ministry efforts, including early intervention and inclusive education initiatives, aimed at ensuring all children can reach their full potential.

She concluded by stating that lessons from the visit would inform future policy and programming. She reiterated the President’s vision of establishing well-resourced child protection shelters across all regions and urged parents and guardians to take greater responsibility for their children’s upbringing and safety.

Source: MoGCSP