Urgent Call to Action: Supporting Children with Developmental Delays in Ghana
A coalition of concerned organizations, parents, caregivers, educators, and advocates has come together to express their deep concern about the inadequate support and resources available for children with developmental delays in Ghana. In a heartfelt appeal, they urge the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection to take immediate and decisive action to address this critical issue.
Children with developmental delays, including autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, and intellectual disabilities, face immense challenges in Ghana. These challenges include lack of early intervention services, insufficient educational support, stigma and discrimination, inadequate healthcare, and lack of government funding and policy implementation ¹.
The coalition proposes several solutions to address these challenges. These include:
Increasing Funding: Allocating substantial and sustainable funding to expand early intervention services, improve educational support, and enhance healthcare access.
Establishing Regional Diagnostic and Intervention Centers: Creating accessible regional centers staffed with qualified professionals to provide early diagnosis, intervention, and support services.
Strengthening Inclusive Education: Implementing inclusive education policies effectively, training teachers in special education, and providing necessary resources to support children with developmental delays in mainstream schools.
Launching Public Awareness Campaigns: Conducting nationwide campaigns to combat stigma and discrimination, promote understanding, and foster inclusion of children with developmental delays.
Providing Financial Support to Caregivers: Implementing programs to provide financial assistance and respite care to caregivers, recognizing their vital role.
The coalition emphasizes the importance of collaboration between government agencies, NGOs, healthcare providers, educational institutions, and community-based organizations to ensure a coordinated and comprehensive approach.
As Roshelle Brago Boakye Foundation (ROBBFOUNDATION) aptly puts it, “Your commitment to this cause will have a profound and lasting impact on the lives of these vulnerable children and their families.” It’s time for the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection to take immediate action and make a difference in the lives of children with developmental delays in Ghana.
