Ghana

Ghana: Creating Opportunity Where Childhood Meets Challenge

Explore Ghana:

Discover how children in this dynamic West African nation are navigating inequality, child labor, and disability exclusion — and meet the grassroots organizations creating change from the ground up.

The Situation for Children in Ghana

Ghana is known for its stability, cultural pride, and growing economy — but not every child has a chance to share in that progress. Millions still face barriers tied to poverty, discrimination, and outdated practices. These are the three most urgent challenges Ghanaian children face:

Child Labor in Informal and Dangerous Work

Over 1.9 million children in Ghana are engaged in child labor — including in fishing, farming, street vending, and mining. Many are exposed to physical danger, school dropout, and long-term trauma.

Exclusion of Children With Disabilities From School and Society

Children with disabilities are often kept out of school due to stigma, inaccessible buildings, or lack of trained teachers. Many are hidden at home and denied the chance to socialize, learn, or participate fully in community life.

Gender Disparities in Rural Education Access

In northern and rural regions, girls face pressure to drop out early due to child marriage, poverty, or gender roles. Without strong support systems, they fall behind in literacy, confidence, and leadership.

Despite these challenges, Ghana’s children remain full of hope, dreaming of education, health, and opportunities for a better tomorrow.

Key Contributor #1: Challenging Heights

Rescuing Children From Labor and Restoring Their Right to Learn

Founded by a former child laborer, Challenging Heights rescues children from slavery and forced labor in Ghana’s fishing industry, especially around Lake Volta. The organization provides transitional housing, trauma counseling, and school reintegration.

They also work with families and communities to prevent re-trafficking and promote long-term alternatives to exploitative labor.

Their work is both personal and powerful — freeing children from the water and leading them back to themselves.

Key Contributor #2: Ghana Society for the Physically Disabled (GSPD)

Championing Inclusion and Education for Children With Disabilities

GSPD advocates for the rights of children and youth with physical disabilities across Ghana. They provide mobility aids, accessibility audits for schools, teacher training, and peer mentorship programs.

They also run public campaigns to reduce stigma and ensure that children with disabilities grow up feeling seen — not sidelined.

For thousands of Ghanaian children, GSPD is proof that disability is not inability.

Key Event #1: Girls Lead Rally – Northern Region

Giving Rural Girls the Platform to Speak, Dream, and Organize

In 2023, Challenging Heights and local partners launched the Girls Lead Rally, a two-day gathering of rural schoolgirls, female teachers, and youth mentors focused on empowerment and equality.

Girls led debates, presented science projects, and shared personal stories of defying early marriage or dropout. Workshops taught public speaking, leadership, and goal setting.

The rally reminded girls — and their communities — that their voices matter now, not just in the future.

Key Event #2: Disability Inclusion Day – Kumasi

Turning Classrooms Into Spaces of Belonging

In 2024, GSPD partnered with teachers and families in Kumasi to host Disability Inclusion Day — a celebration and training program focused on making schools more welcoming for children with mobility, hearing, or developmental differences.

The event featured sign language lessons, storytelling by disabled students, and classroom simulation activities for teachers. Parents shared how small changes — like ramps, patience, or inclusion — had transformed their child’s life.

It wasn’t just about awareness. It was about rewriting the rules of belonging.

Top Grassroot Nonprofits Across Ghana