Ghanaian reggae artist and radio presenter, Blakk Rasta will team up with OrphanAid Africa to hold a charity concert in support of orphans and deprived children on December, 4. The ‘Every Child Deserves a Family’ themed concert is in line with OrphanAid Africa’s continued call for an end to institutionalization in orphanages in favour ofkinship and extended family care for children.

According to OrpahAid Africa, orphanages are not a culturally appropriate or sustainable solution for caring for children. Children need to grow up in families and with a permanent bond of care and affection that no orphanage can provide. OrphanAid Africa practices a system where it rescues children from orphanages and supports poor families to care for their children.

OrphanAid Africa is aware of the existence of 148 orphanages in Ghana, and has data on children living in 95 of these orphanages.Approximately 85%, of the children in orphanages in Ghana are not orphans and have living family. Since2005 OrphanAid Africa has stopped supporting orphanages and focused all its activities on resettling children with their extended family.

“We have been energetically advocating for these children to be resettled with their extended families, instead of been confined to orphanages. Orphanages are often a cover for child trafficking and abuse. Most Western nations stopped the use of orphanages long ago, preferring the use of extended family care and foster care. “

At recent press conference to react to the findings in Anas Amereyaw Anas’ report on condition at the Osu Children’s Home, Awo Boatema Aboagye-Dankwa from the Care Reform Services arm of OrphanAid Africa made a presentation on a 10 point proposal letter to President John Evans Atta Mills for appropriate care for children without parental care in Ghana.