The growing number of orphaned and vulnerable children in the Akyem Oda enclave has sparked renewed calls by traditional authorities, social welfare officials and community leaders for the establishment of a permanent orphanage home in the Birim Central Municipality of the Eastern Region.
The call was made during a community outreach programme organised by “Ensuro Mmoa Kuo,” a benevolent support group based in Akyem Oda, as part of efforts to provide care and support for needy children in the area.
The outreach programme, dubbed “Engagement with the Needy,” was held at Akyem Oda Nkwanta and brought together chiefs, opinion leaders, social welfare officers and members of the public who shared concerns over the increasing number of children without proper parental care in the municipality.
Speaking at the event, the Founder of Ensuro Mmoa Kuo, Mrs. Salomey Anarfi, said the group has identified the urgent need for a dedicated orphanage facility to cater for children who have lost their parents or are living under difficult conditions in the Oda enclave.
Mrs. Salomey Anarfi, Founder, Ensuro Mmoa Kuo
According to her, the long-term vision of the group is to establish a modern and befitting orphanage home that would provide shelter, education, care and emotional support for orphaned children within the municipality.
She explained that many vulnerable children in the area currently lack stable accommodation and access to basic necessities, making life extremely difficult for them.
Mrs. Anarfi noted that the establishment of a central orphanage home would not only provide a safe haven for the children but would also make it easier for philanthropists, non-governmental organisations and other donors to identify and support them.
She therefore appealed to the government, corporate organisations, philanthropists and individuals to support the initiative financially and materially to ensure the successful establishment of the proposed orphanage home in Akyem Oda.
“We believe that with the support of all stakeholders, we can create a safe and comfortable environment for these children and give them hope for a better future,” she stated.
Chairman for the occasion, Obrempong Dr. Nana Sasu IV, who is also the Awosohene of the Akyem Kotoku Traditional Council, underscored the importance of collective community support in addressing the plight of vulnerable children.
Obrempong Dr. Nana Sasu IV, Awosohene of the Akyem Kotoku Traditional Council
He used the occasion to appeal to the Chief of Akyem Oda Nkwanta, Nana Gyaminah Akenten, to allocate a parcel of land for the construction of the proposed orphanage facility.
Dr. Nana Sasu IV further pledged his support towards the welfare of the children by donating five bales of second-hand clothes, popularly known as “Foose,” to help improve their living conditions and appearance.
He commended Ensuro Mmoa Kuo for its humanitarian efforts and encouraged other organisations and individuals to emulate the group’s commitment to supporting the less privileged in society.
For his part, Nana Gyaminah Akenten, chief of Oda Nkwanta praised Dr. Nana Sasu IV for his numerous developmental initiatives within the Oda enclave and also lauded Ensuro Mmoa Kuo for consistently extending support to vulnerable children and needy persons in the area.
Nana Gyaminah Akenten, chief, Oda Nkwanta
He expressed optimism that the proposed orphanage project would become a reality through unity and collaboration among stakeholders.
The event formed part of ongoing efforts by community leaders and social groups to promote social welfare and improve the living conditions of disadvantaged children in the Birim Central Municipality.
