Social Welfare Boss Rubbishes Anas’ Exposé

The Director of the Social Welfare Department of the Ministry of Employment and Social Welfare, Mr. Stephen Adongo says staff of the Osu Children’s Home in Accra, should be commended rather than condemned.

The Osu Children’s Home has come under public criticisms after Investigative Journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas blew the lid on what is believed to be widespread child abuse and massive corruption amongst the workers of the home.

In a video documentary aired on selected television networks on Wednesday September 1, persons believed to be staff of the home were seen either stealing or selling off items and foodstuffs donated by philanthropists for the upkeep of the children.
But speaking to Journalists after touring the facility, Mr. Adongo said the public must not hasten to hang the staff of the Osu Children’s Home.

“You need to certainly identify the facts that these are the culprits and then the action can be taken. So we will investigate and find out those things that are clearly a breach of the law. On the average, I think that this place needs commendation rather than the condemnation we are getting now” he said.

“At least issues of sodomy have not come to my notice at the Head office but I am saying that with all these collection of people, it is possible that some of the children may misbehave. This is why we always say that once the problems are identified we take steps to resolve them. I cannot say that it didn’t happen but this is why the hierarchy of the Department and the Home is there so it can be dealt with. These are things that we ourselves are saying are not good for other homes so we cannot say it’s good for our home. The care reforms initiative that we have launched are supposed to solve these very things. Even with all these handicaps and deficiencies, what is happening in this home is commendable” he noted.

On Monday September 6, the Minister of Employment and Social Welfare will inaugurate a five-member Committee to investigate the allegations against staff of the Osu Children’s Home.

The Committee, to be headed by the Deputy Minister of the Employment and Social Welfare, Antwi Boasiako Sekyere, is to be given one week to finish its work and present a report to the Minister.

Source: Citifmonline.com/Ghana