Ghana is experiencing a notable surge in adoption interest, with the Central Adoption Authority (CAA) reporting that 158 families have sought to adopt children in the first half of this year.
The CAA, under the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection, also fielded 220 inquiries about adoption during this period.
Mr. Stephen Tikai Dombo, Head of the Authority, shared these figures and expressed optimism about the increasing trend in adoption applications.
While he couldn’t provide a year-on-year comparison, he confirmed a significant upward trajectory in the numbers.
“This represents a steady growth in the number of applications over the months, reflecting a strong and growing interest in adoption,” he told the Ghanaian Times in an exclusive interview.
The data shows a monthly fluctuation in applications: 24 in January, rising to 28 in March, peaking at 41 in April, and then declining to 17 by June.
Inquiries followed a similar pattern, with a high of 70 in January and a low of 18 in June.
Mr. Dombo noted that many families who have previously adopted are now looking to adopt additional children, viewing it as a profoundly rewarding act.
He shared a story from the Ashanti Region where a couple, after adopting a child, were blessed with twins of their own within the same year, underscoring the perceived blessings of adoption.
He encouraged more families to consider adoption and assured them of comprehensive support throughout the process.
Mr. Dombo also urged the public to support couples facing fertility challenges who turn to adoption.
He explained that adoption is a legal process that transfers parental rights and responsibilities to adoptive parents, with adoption orders typically being irreversible.
However, he pointed out that some applicants’ specific preferences, such as desired physical traits or age, can prolong the process if such children are not readily available.
“For instance, an applicant seeking a fair, hairy, and smart child might experience a longer wait time if such a child is not immediately available,” he explained.
He advised applicants to remain flexible to speed up their adoption.
The adoption process includes a mandatory six-month investigation to locate a child’s biological parents.
“If the parents are not found within this period, the investigation can be extended. After a year, if no biological parents are located, the child can be placed for adoption,” he clarified.
If the parents cannot be found within this timeframe, the search can be extended, and after a year, if no biological parents are identified, the child can be placed for adoption.
Mr. Dombo reassured the public about the well-being of adopted children, noting that Ghana is a member of the Hague Convention, which governs international adoptions.
“The CAA works closely with adoption authorities in other member countries to ensure that children adopted abroad are monitored and well-protected. Post-adoption monitoring is conducted quarterly, with reports including photos and videos sent to prove the children’s well-being,” he said.
The CAA collaborates with international adoption authorities to ensure that adopted children abroad are well cared for, with quarterly post-adoption monitoring including reports, photos, and videos to confirm their welfare.
Since January 2020, the CAA has visited 75 adoptive families across eight regions, offering psychosocial support, counseling, and necessary assistance to both the families and their adopted children.
“These visits provide psychosocial support, counselling, and any necessary assistance to both the families and the adopted children,” Mr Dombo said.