The Parliamentary Committee on Gender, Children, and Social Welfare has launched an inspection tour of orphanages and shelter homes in Accra to assess the well-being of vulnerable children and evaluate existing care programs. Led by Chairperson Helen Adjoa Ntoso, the Committee visited several facilities, including Save Them Young Homes and New Life Nungua Children’s Home.
Caregivers raised concerns about the lack of educational access for children with special needs, some of whom have lived in shelters for over two decades without formal schooling or vocational training. Inadequate healthcare support for children with disabilities, autism, and chronic illnesses was also highlighted. The Committee’s inspection aims to influence policy reforms to protect and uplift at-risk children nationwide.
The Committee’s Chairperson expressed concern about the conditions and assured stakeholders that a thorough report would be submitted to Parliament with recommendations for immediate action. The Committee has urged the Department of Social Welfare to reduce overcrowding in facilities and enhance care services. The inspection will continue until May 23.
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