More than 5.4 million children around the world are locked away in orphanages — and over 80% of them are not orphans. In Ghana, 250 delegates from 13 countries came together to address that crisis. HHC’s Regional Advocacy Manager Stephen Ucembe was there. Here is what he heard — and what it means for the future of family care in West Africa.
Arriving in Accra: energy, urgency, and a shared mission
Leaving a cool Nairobi afternoon behind, we arrived in Accra to a wave of warm air, colour and energy. From the vibrant African prints to the smell of spices in the markets, Ghana offered an immediate reminder of the richness of culture, identity and community. Our journey took us up the winding road to the Anagkazo Campus, nestled in the Akwapim Mountains, where delegates had gathered for the conference.
What struck me immediately was the atmosphere. Ghanaian and Nigerian participants made up a strong majority, and their presence gave the gathering a lively, confident and energetic feel. This wasn’t simply a technical meeting. It was a space shaped by urgency, conviction and shared commitment to improving care for vulnerable children.
“I would never advise anyone to place a child in an orphanage”
One of the most powerful moments came when Akpene, a young Ghanaian woman with lived experience of care, took the floor. Having spent part of her childhood in both a family and an orphanage, her message was unambiguous.
“Having spent some part of my childhood in a family and in an orphanage, I would never advise anyone to place a child in an orphanage.”
Akpene described the loss of identity and belonging she experienced, and the difficulty of re-adjusting to community life after leaving care. In a society that deeply values culture and tradition, she felt excluded and isolated and she was cut off from the very things that make a childhood whole. Her call was simple and profound: support families so children can remain where they belong, thrive and feel included.
Orphanages expose children to abuse and trafficking, and physical and psychological trauma that can last a lifetime. Over 100 years of research confirms it. Children belong with families and not in institutions.
Orphanage leaders are listening — but resistance remains
What makes orphanages so hard to close?
The presence of orphanage leaders at the conference was itself encouraging. Many acknowledged the harm their settings cause and came willing to listen and learn. But as several speakers noted, resistance to change remains widespread meaning awareness-raising and advocacy are still essential work.
More support is needed to help orphanages understand how they can transition: what they can become, which services they can provide, and which children and families they should prioritise. This isn’t simply a question of willingness, it’s also structural.
When support is directed mainly at orphanages and not at families, it creates a perverse incentive: families are more likely to place their children in institutions because help isn’t available while the child remains at home. As one speaker put it plainly: orphanages can become a pull factor when family support systems are weak. Closing them requires building something better first.
Moving from ‘what families lack’ to ‘what families need’
A theme that ran through much of the conference was the need to recognise the existing strengths of families and communities. Too often, the framing centres on what families lack reinforcing the damaging idea that families are the problem and children need ‘rescuing’. This framing leads to separation rather than support.
A better question, the conference affirmed, is this: what do families need in order to fulfil their rightful role? The primary responsibility for children’s care lies with families and communities. Systems should strengthen them and not replace them.
Why governments must lead, not just fund, care reform
What happens when donor funding for orphanage reform ends?
Sustaining care reform is impossible without government leadership. This message echoed throughout the conference. Many governments in the region have made progress in developing policies and guidelines in recent years — but practical investment remains limited, and too much still depends on donor funding.
When that funding is reduced or ends, reform efforts often slow down leaving children at risk. Governments must lead by investing in the social service workforce, social protection, and access to essential public services: health, nutrition, education, and disability support. When these services are unavailable or inadequate, families are placed under unsustainable pressure and children are more likely to be separated and placed in orphanages.
Hope and Homes for Children’s role at the conference
Hope and Homes for Children facilitated a session on transitioning away from orphanages, and although time was limited, the appetite was clear. Participants wanted practical skills and knowledge: on foster care, on supporting children with disabilities, and on managing resistance to reform.
The West African Alternative Care initiative promises to be an important platform for further training, peer learning and technical support helping to accelerate reform and build the confidence needed to move care Back to Family.
Care reform is possible — but it requires commitment
The conference ended with a clear call: strengthen the West African Alternative Care initiative so that momentum is sustained and the sharing of knowledge and skills continues.
Hope and Homes for Children stands ready to support governments and organisations that are willing to make the transition. Our experience across Africa has shown that care reform is possible when children are placed at the centre, families are strengthened, communities are valued, and governments lead with commitment and investment.
No child needs to be in an orphanage. There is always a better way. And that way leads Back to Family.
About the author
Stephen Ucembe is Hope and Homes for Children’s Regional Advocacy Manager and Kenya Representative. Stephen is one of Africa’s leading voices for care reform — working with governments, communities and organisations across the region to move the care of children Back to Family.
