Savanna News
How AfriKids is transforming Lives through Cerebral Palsy Support
“Afrikids discovered that the children we once called ‘spirit children’ were actually living with cerebral palsy,” he explained. “So we set up CP centres in Sirigu and Bongo districts to provide physiotherapy services. We now have three centres in Bongo at Dua, Feo, and Vea and one in Sirigu, all located within Ghana Health facilities to ensure continuity after the project ends.”
In the heart of Ghana’s Upper East Region, a quiet revolution is changing lives. For over a decade, AfriKids has been a beacon of hope for children living with cerebral palsy (CP) and their families providing care, compassion, and dignity to those once marginalized.
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Changing the Narrative around “Spirit Children”
The AfriKids Child Rights Centre, located in the Kassena-Nankana East District, was established to address child rights issues, including the long-standing belief in “spirit children.”
In years past, children born with disabilities or developmental delays were tragically labelled as “spirit children” thought to bring misfortune to their families.
Through education, advocacy, and consistent community engagement, AfriKids has helped replace stigma with understanding. Today, these children are recognized for who they truly are children with special needs who deserve love and care.
Real Stories, Real Change
One mother, Madam Mary Luguniah, knows firsthand what that change looks like.
“When I gave birth, my son couldn’t use his hands or walk properly,” she shared. “When I came here, everything changed. They take good care of him. They give us happiness and tell us our son is happy and loved there.”
Mary’s story reflects the heart of AfriKids’ mission empowering parents and restoring hope to families who once felt helpless.
A Decade of Impact
According to Mr. Joseph Asakibeem, the manager of the cerebral palsy project, the initiative has been running for over ten years and is now preparing for a smooth handover to the Ghana Health Service (GHS).
“AfriKids discovered that the children we once called ‘spirit children’ were actually living with cerebral palsy,” he explained. “So we set up CP centres in Sirigu and Bongo districts to provide physiotherapy services. We now have three centres in Bongo at Dua, Feo, and Vea and one in Sirigu, all located within Ghana Health facilities to ensure continuity after the project ends.”
Currently, 250 children with cerebral palsy receive support through AfriKids’ programme, including 21 children registered in Sirigu.
Progress in Motion
Ayambire Williams, the Social Intervention Officer and acting physiotherapist, highlighted the visible progress made by the programme.
“We’ve seen children walking and thriving,” he said. “People come from different places because they’ve heard about the progress. Parents are benefiting, and the children are making progress.”
These results are more than numbers they represent lives transformed, communities educated, and hope rekindled.
Celebrating World Cerebral Palsy Day
As part of World Cerebral Palsy Day, celebrated on October 6, AfriKids hosted a special event at its Child Rights Centre.
The organization invited women in broadcasting media professionals committed to empowering women and children to visit the centre and engage with families. The event aimed to amplify awareness and strengthen support networks for persons living with cerebral palsy.
The Power of Compassion and Community
As AfriKids continues its work, its message remains clear: every child deserves love, dignity, and opportunity. Through its ongoing partnership with local communities and the Ghana Health Service, AfriKids ensures that the legacy of care will endure.
Every step forward every child who learns to walk, smile, or play is a testament to what can be achieved when compassion meets commitment.
