The GaDangme Association of Washington DC Metropolitan Area, as part of activities to commemorate its 40th Anniversary, donated a variety of essential items to the Shelter For Abuse Children, Osu- Accra, and announced a scholarship scheme for brilliant children, bringing joy and relief to the children.
Mr. Gilbert Quarshie, Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence Davies, Mr. Samuel Nii Amartey, Mrs. Grace Ankrah, Mr. Samuel Sir Dondee Lamptey, Minister Edmund Lamptey, Ms. Jessica Mills-Odai, Ms. Pascaline Lamptey, and Ms. Irene Lamptey presented the items.
The items were received by Ms. Eunice Fafa Degbey, the Managing Director of the Osu Shelter For Abuse Children and the Girls Correction Home, during a short ceremony at their premises in Accra. She appealed to other philanthropists and benevolent societies to reach out to her organization to help renovate the center.
According to Ms. Degbey, since its establishment in 1950, the facility has not seen any major renovation despite the increase in the number of children on a daily basis. She emphasized that the government’s contribution alone was not enough and urged individuals and organizations to come on board to help give the children a brighter future.
Ms. Degbey expressed her sincere gratitude to the GaDangme Association of Washington DC Metropolitan Area team for their kind gesture and prayed that the good Lord continues to bless the work of the Association. “We need to build more dormitories, an infirmary, and recreational facilities for the children. It is a home for abused children, so we need a lot of support to make this place a safe haven for them.”
The GaDangme Association of Washington DC Metropolitan Area is celebrating this milestone to help increase the visibility of its mission, allowing it to highlight the history and tradition of advocacy, while also giving the Association the chance to articulate its vision for the future.
The donation, which included educational materials, rice, drinking water, assorted drinks, sanitary pads, student bunk beds, and mattresses, is part of the association’s broader initiative to give back to communities both in the United States and Ghana.
Child abuse can take many forms, which fall into two main categories: physical violence and physical neglect toward a minor under the age of 18. Child abuse is defined as any action toward a child resulting in serious physical or emotional harm, or an imminent risk of serious physical or emotional harm. While physical abuse is non-accidental, neglect is the failure of a parent or other person with responsibility for the child to provide needed food, clothing, shelter, medical care, or supervision to the degree that the child’s health, safety, and well-being are threatened. Child neglect has been considered a distinct type of maltreatment since the early 1950s and is now the most reported type of child maltreatment.
According to the Association Chairwoman, Rowina Naa Odarkai Lamptey Moses, the donation, such as rice and sachet water, will provide the children with access to food and other basic necessities and will ensure that they live in a cozy and secure environment.
Medical care, such as the donation of sanitary pads, will assist in protecting the orphans against infections, which is necessary for their health and well-being. This will lower their risk of illness and disease, facilitating their daily activities..
Thus, driven by our mission to inspire highly balanced and motivated individuals, with a conscious effort towards their responsibility to society, we decided not only to present donations to the home but also to empower them.
It is devastating when a child loses a parent, whether by death, separation, or abandonment. The loss can cause significant social, emotional, and academic challenges that can last a lifetime. With the world’s challenges today, the number of orphans is increasing rapidly and is expected to continue rising in low-income countries.
Education donations will assist in giving the orphans access to education, which could change their lives. Orphans can benefit from education by gaining knowledge and skills that will improve their employment prospects and their future.
Child abuse leads to decreased academic performance due to the extreme impacts of abuse on developing brains. Child maltreatment is linked with diminished working memory and mental flexibility, which allows a child to adjust to different mental demands and perspectives. A deficit in these skills can make children less likely to achieve success academically and in their future careers.
Overall, studies have shown that a child is three times more likely to have academic problems if they have experienced any level of maltreatment in the first five years of life. This also decreases the likelihood that a child will finish school altogether.
Child abuse also causes a financial burden to individuals in Ghana because improper child development can result in productivity loss and a failure to reach full earnings potential. This often occurs because a child suffering from physical abuse is hindered in their ability to perform well in school, both socially and academically. Evidence from other countries estimates that survivors of child abuse will earn approximately 5% less than other children over a lifetime.
One of the reasons child abuses has remained an issue in Ghana for so long is that it has been considered socially acceptable. In an effort to change these traditions, one practice to fight against these dangerous social norms is to increase education and raise awareness among the Ghanaian population.
Donating to orphanages is an important way to support children in need around the world. The Association’s contribution will make a significant difference in their lives, providing them with basic necessities like food and education.
The GaDangme Association of Washington DC Metropolitan Area continues to be a beacon of hope and support for the GaDangme community, embodying the values of generosity, unity, and cultural pride. Their efforts are a shining example of how community organizations can make a tangible difference in the lives of others.
Chairwoman of the Association, Rowina Naa Odarkai Lamptey Moses, emphasized that the Association has a rich history of cultural preservation and community service. Established to maintain and promote the cultural heritage of the GaDangme people, the Association has been a cornerstone for GaDangme individuals residing in the Washington DC Metropolitan Area. Through various cultural, civic, and social activities, the Association fosters unity and a sense of belonging among its members.
One of the Association’s notable contributions in the Washington DC Metropolitan Area is the annual Homowo Festival celebration, which brings together GaDangme people to celebrate their heritage, share traditional foods, and engage in cultural performances. This festival not only strengthens community bonds but also educates younger generations about their rich cultural legacy.
We invite everyone to join us in celebrating this remarkable milestone on September 27th, 2025, at the Holiday Inn, College Park, Maryland. Together, we can honor our heritage, celebrate our achievements, and look forward to a bright future for the GaDangme Association of Washington DC Metropolitan Area. Whether you are a member of the GaDangme Association or a friend and supporter, your presence and participation will make this celebration memorable.
The GaDangme Association of Washington DC Metropolitan Area looks forward to celebrating this significant milestone with you and expressing our gratitude for your unwavering support over the years.
Taptap Send, Krowbw House, and Goldstar Air, the wings of Ghana and belly of America are some of the sponsors for the Anniversary Celebration. Let’s make this 40th anniversary a memorable and impactful event.