The Chief of Otinor and Founder of the Nee Life Nungua Children’s Home, Nii Afotey Botwe II, is calling on the government to integrate abandoned children living in orphanages into national development plans.
According to the chief, Ghana’s current social and economic policies largely overlook children in shelter homes, leaving them without access to key interventions such as scholarships, job placement opportunities, and other social support systems available to children raised in families.
“Government plans for everyone, but leaves out children in orphanages,” he lamented during an interaction with the Parliamentary Select Committee on Gender, Children and Social Protection during a recent oversight visit.
He noted that some children raised in such homes have successfully graduated from school but are excluded from national employment and development initiatives simply because they live in shelter homes. “This must change. These children also deserve to benefit from national programs,” he emphasized.
The traditional leader further appealed for support to help develop the talents of these children, saying many of them are gifted and could contribute meaningfully to the nation’s future if given the right opportunities.
Currently, the Nee Life Nungua Children’s Home houses 51 children, with 40 more living with extended family and friends but still under the care of the facility.
The chief expressed concern about the decline of the extended family system, which he believes has contributed to the rise in streetism and neglect of vulnerable children.
He also criticized some self-styled religious leaders for promoting messages that demonize family ties and weaken societal support structures.
Nii Afotey is urging Ghanaians and policymakers to return to core family values and extend compassion and support to the less privileged, especially children without parental care.