20 of 22 Illegal Orphanages in Ghana Still Operating

The Department of Social Welfare has established a regional monitoring team made up of Department of Children, ministries of Health and Education, and Department of Women and others to ensure that institutions that claim they are providing care to children are following the rules and regulations.

The Assistant Director, Mr. Hlorvor, said the “monitory team had so far identified 22 children homes and orphanages, which are operating without licenses.

According to him, out of the 22 unlicensed orphanages and children’s homes operating in the region, two had already been closed down.

He pointed out that screening of all the children’s homes and orphanages would continue to see whether they were operating within the rules and regulations, and would decide which of the orphanages or children’s homes qualify to be licensed.”

A Regional Orphans and Vulnerable children Coordinating committe was also formed to monitor activities and programs. They also will compile a list of children who have families to assist in their integration back home.

The NGO Madamfo Ghana has built a modern children’s home to serve as a transit home for the children to be reintegrated with their families. The article mentions that child trafficking is still a large concern.

Ghana: Illegal Orphanages Spring Up in V/R – Dept. of Social Welfare Threatens Closure

[All Africa 5/16/12 by Samuel Agbewode]

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