Government has been urged to take deliberate and sustained steps to address the growing problem of streetism by increasing support for orphanages that cater for abandoned and vulnerable children.
The Group Managing Director of Village of Hope, Mr Fred Asare, said orphanage homes play a vital role in the country’s socio-economic development and should not be overlooked in national policy planning.
He noted that despite limited or no state support, many orphanages have raised individuals who are now contributing meaningfully to national development. He cited the Member of Parliament for Madina, Francis-Xavier Sosu, as an example.
Mr Asare, therefore, called for increased financial assistance to enable such institutions to expand their operations and improve care for vulnerable children.
He made the call at the launch of the 30th anniversary celebration of Village of Hope, held at the Heritage Christian University College on Monday, under the theme, “30 Years of Hope: Transforming Lives and Securing the Future.”
Speaking on the issue of streetism, Mr Asare said the phenomenon continues to worsen and requires a preventive approach. According to him, efforts must focus on reducing the movement of children from rural areas into cities.
He stressed that investing in rural development, strengthening family systems, and ensuring access to education would significantly reduce the influx of children into urban centres in search of opportunities.
Mr Asare further highlighted the financial challenges confronting the orphanage, explaining that the facility relies heavily on donations from corporate organisations and philanthropists.
“We receive no government support in caring for abandoned children and infants referred to us by the police and the Department of Social Welfare. We take care of them until suitable homes or adoptive parents are found,” he said.
Despite these challenges, he reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting vulnerable children. Over the past 30 years, Village of Hope has established two basic schools, a vocational training institute, and a hospital to improve the lives of those under its care.
The President of the National House of Chiefs and Paramount Chief of the Sefwi Anhwiaso Traditional Area, Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II, also expressed concern about the rise of false prophets, despite the positive contributions of Christianity to national development, particularly in education.
He further warned that increasing adoption of certain Western cultural practices, such as white weddings and nuclear family systems, is gradually eroding traditional values. He called for stronger collaboration among religious bodies, political leaders, and traditional authorities to address these concerns.
He commended Village of Hope for its achievements and urged other orphanages to emulate its model. A former beneficiary, Mr Sappah Yahaya, who joined the home in 1999 and is now a university graduate, shared how the care and training he received transformed his life.
He encouraged current residents to remain hopeful, trust in God, and work diligently towards achieving their goals.
Activities lined up for the anniversary, which begins in May, include an alumni reunion and graduation, an anniversary walk, medical outreach, a nationwide tour, fun games, and a fundraising dinner to establish an endowment fund.
The event was attended by board members of Village of Hope, as well as religious and traditional leaders and other dignitaries.
