News
Streets of Accra: Home for the Homeless
Every morning in Accra, particularly around Kwame Nkrumah Circle, a troubling scene repeats itself. Children who should be preparing for school instead weave through traffic, knocking on car windows, and begging for coins.
From Circle to Kaneshie, Tema Station, the Central Business District, and the 37 Military Hospital area, these young faces reflect a growing social crisis that Ghana can no longer pretend is solved.
Many of these children—and some mothers—sleep in front of shops, on pavements, or under footbridges. When night falls, cardboard replaces mattresses, and hunger replaces comfort. Some cook whatever they can find—discarded food, roadside leftovers, or partially spoiled items from refuse dumps. This exposes them to diseases, abuse, drug use, and human trafficking, turning survival into a daily danger.
Street life is stealing their future. While other children carry school bags, these ones carry fear and hardship. Without education, counselling, and care, they are pushed into labour, crime, and long-term poverty. The street becomes their classroom, but it teaches only struggle, not opportunity.
This is a matter for the government, Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), and other municipalities across the country. The menace persists in various regions and must be treated as an emergency.
There is an urgent need for more shelters, feeding programmes, rehabilitation centres, and compulsory reintegration into school. Social welfare officers must patrol hotspots like Circle regularly—not only during special exercises.
Communities, parents, NGOs, and traditional leaders also have a role to play. Poverty, migration, and family breakdown drive children onto Accra’s streets, but cooperation can pull them back.
These children are still at Circle and the other areas mentioned, still begging, and still sleeping on concrete instead of beds. Their presence is a loud reminder of unfinished work. Ghana’s progress will mean little if its capital continues to abandon its youngest citizens.
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By Eric Gyimah
By Jemima Esinam Kuatsinu
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Government Communicator , Dr Sammy Ayeh, has defended the decision to recall Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mohammed Baba Jamal, amid public debate over alleged vote buying issues linked to the Ayawaso contest.
Dr Ayeh dismissed suggestions that the recall should be compared to the case of Hajia Amina Adam, who has been mentioned by some commentators as a government appointee.
He argued that the comparison does not hold because the two roles are not the same.
He questioned claims that Hajia Amina Adam serves on three boards, stating that only the Hajj Board has been publicly identified.
He indicated that there was no clear evidence to support assertions that she holds multiple board positions.
According to Dr Ayeh, Baba Jamal’s former position as High Commissioner carried a different level of responsibility.
He explained that a high commissioner represents the President and Ghana’s image abroad, which he described as distinct from board membership.
He maintained that the recall should therefore not be interpreted as unfair or inconsistent treatment.
In his view, the nature of Baba Jamal’s diplomatic role justified separate consideration.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Former President of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo, has expressed optimism about Bangladesh’s democratic process as the country prepares for its elections.
Mr Akufo Addo, who is serving as Chairperson of the Commonwealth Observer Group in Bangladesh, noted that the polls present an opportunity for the people of Bangladesh to mark a new phase in their democratic journey.
He described the moment as significant for the country’s political future.
He expressed hope that the elections would be conducted peacefully across the country. According to him, a calm and orderly process would reflect the commitment of citizens to democratic values.
Mr Akufo Addo indicated that he would welcome an atmosphere of enthusiasm and unity during the exercise.
He referred to comments suggesting the possibility of a festive election and stated that such an environment would be encouraging.
In his view, a successful and peaceful election would send a strong message to the international community, particularly within South Asia and Southeast Asia.
He emphasized that it would demonstrate Bangladesh’s determination to pursue a democratic future.
The Commonwealth Observer Group is in Bangladesh to monitor the electoral process and assess its credibility, transparency, and adherence to democratic standards.
By: Jacob Aggrey
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