Accra: Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, the Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, has officially inaugurated a nine-member Adoption Board tasked with fostering the well-being of children. The board will operate as the Central Adoption Authority, ensuring that all adoption processes prioritize the best interests of children.
According to Ghana News Agency, the board is chaired by Dr Afisah Zakaria, Chief Director of the Gender Ministry, and includes Mr Stephen Tikai Dombo as the Secretary. The board members are Dr Susan Langmagne, ACP Owusuwaa Kyeremeh, Mr Bright K. Appiah, Executive Director of Child Rights International, Mr Hanaan N. Asaku, and Mesdames Yvonne Norman, Benice M. Ackon, and Evelyn Danquah Kottoh.
Dr Lartey emphasized that the board must uphold efficient and accountable adoption practices in alignment with the Children's Amendment Act, 2016, at 937. It is also required to adhere to relevant adoption laws, including the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Cooperation in respect of inter-country adoption. She urged board members to remain committed to their mandates despite the challenges adoption faces in the country.
Mr Bright Appiah, representing the board members, expressed gratitude to the Minister for entrusting them with this responsibility. He pledged to uphold the dignity and integrity of the adoption process, ensuring that children are safeguarded from exploitation. "Our support is to serve with dignity and make sure that we do all the things we need to do to make you proud and our children proud," he stated.
