Poverty no excuse for abandoning newborns – Professor Kingsley Nyarko

The Member of Parliament for Kwadaso and former Deputy Minister for Education, Prof. Kingsley Nyarko, has passionately urged parents, particularly young mothers, to stop the cruel and illegal practice of abandoning newborn babies at refuse dumps, gutters, and other unsafe locations due to financial difficulties.

Describing the act as both senseless and evil, the MP emphasised that children are precious gifts from God and that poverty should never be used as a justification for abandoning them.

"You do not have to reject your child because of poverty. If you are in a difficult situation, talk to people. There are genuine individuals and organisations in our society that are always willing to help. Speak out and seek assistance instead of making senseless decisions that endanger innocent lives," Prof. Nyarko stated.

He warned that many parents who abandon their children out of desperation often live to regret their actions, especially when they later witness those children grow into successful individuals.

He further questioned what would become of many abandoned children if not for the timely intervention of orphanages and children's homes.

Prof. Nyarko made the remarks during a visit to the Cherubs Children's Home and the Edwenase Rehabilitation Centre in Kumasi as part of activities marking his birthday.

To support the operations of the two facilities, he donated a variety of food items and household essentials. The items included 10 bags of rice, four bags of sugar, six gallons of cooking oil, 10 packs of toiletries, 20 packs of assorted drinks, 20 boxes of biscuits, 10 boxes of tomato paste, and an undisclosed amount of cash to assist with administrative expenses.

The MP also spent time celebrating with the children, sharing meals and dancing with them to bring joy to their day.

During his visit to the Edwenase Rehabilitation Centre, which caters for children with autism and other intellectual disabilities, Prof. Nyarko expressed admiration for the remarkable craftsmanship displayed by the residents.

He observed that despite their challenges, the children possessed impressive skills and were producing high-quality items, including handwoven bags, doormats, and centre tables made from recycled materials such as plastic waste.

"Look at the wonderful things they are producing with their bare hands from materials that people usually throw away. God has special plans for them, and they have unique talents that must be nurtured," he said.

He called on the government, corporate organisations, and private individuals to partner with such institutions to support children with special needs.

According to him, with the right mentorship, training, and resources, persons with disabilities can become self-reliant and productive members of society rather than being viewed as burdens.

Caretakers and residents of both facilities took the opportunity to celebrate the MP's birthday by singing songs and offering prayers for good health, blessings, and continued success.

The caretaker of the Cherubs Children's Home, Bernard Osei Bonsu, expressed profound gratitude to the lawmaker for his consistent support and words of encouragement.

He appealed to other public figures, philanthropists, and corporate organisations to emulate Prof. Nyarko's gesture and support vulnerable children.

"We run these homes entirely by the grace of God and the generosity of individuals and institutions. We thank the MP for always remembering us, and we appeal to others to come on board and continue supporting these children," Mr. Bonsu said.