Adepa, the one-year-old baby born with Phocomelia, a congenital condition that has resulted in the absence of her three limbs, is beginning the physiotherapy process at Orthopaedic Training Center (OTC) in Nsawam today Monday, October 21, 2024.
The Training Center offered the baby sponsorship after Starr News published her condition and the stigma being faced by the family.
The over-a-month physiotherapy service follows medical screening and measurements for the preparation of prosthetics and other assistive devices needed to aid her mobility to ensure she is able to access education on time and become independent.
Rev. Elizabeth Newman, Director of Orthopaedic Training Center in Nsawam told Starr News “This child will be able to walk, will be able to go to school, use her hands to do what he needs to do. I am just very grateful that she is very bright, she is very active. We are very happy to sponsor whatever she needs orthopedically. We will make sure that we take care of that for her”.
Rev. Elizabeth Newman was however worried that Ghana has not made any significant progress in addressing stigma and many other challenges facing persons with disabilities in the country.
“In 2024 we still have this kind of stigma for a child like this. We’ve come a long way. I have been in Ghana since 1974 and this is not the first time I am hearing this but 50 years later I can say that we have not made more progress in this field. So whatever the press can do to call for the attention of the public and government for persons living with some types of different disabilities we have to help. We have to do something”.
She was of the candid opinion that “I think as a country we should make more efforts to educate the public. To break the stigma, we still find schools that will not take the children because of their disability. You can say it is illegal it is against the law”.
Rev. Elizabeth Newman, drew government attention to increasing cases of cerebral palsy condition and called for pragmatic measures to support than.
“We have to give special attention to children with cerebral palsy. It is a great problem in your country, and these children also deserve the right to be treated and to reach their highest potential. I think the government has to put more funds into proper hands and we have to educate the public, talk to people in rehabilitation and the health fields”.
Background
On September 5, 2024, Starr FM Eastern Regional Correspondent Kojo Ansah reported that, Adepa’s parents who lived in Kwahu Mpreaso have been forced to relocate to Koforidua after facing stigma and pressure to end the life of their baby, who was born with Phocomelia
Adepa, the fifth child of the couple was delivered through Caesarean section at Atibie Government Hospital.
However, it is alleged some doctors reportedly advised the couple to consider euthanasia to avoid the stigma and economic burden that would come with raising a child with such a condition.
“When I was taken from the theater to the recovery room doctors and a psychologist met me and said the baby would become a burden so we should agree to euthanize the baby but I refused. It is God who created Adepa. So in the wisdom of God if He has brought her out then I have no right to let kill her”, Ellen Ampadu, mother recounted.
After being discharged, the family endured constant discrimination from their community in Kwahu Mpraeso, including at church and work.
Ellen recounted the intense pressure they faced to kill the baby girl which eventually led them to relocate to Koforidua, the capital of the Eastern Region.
“We were staying in Mpraeso. However, because of the unbearable stigma from the community, we decided to relocate to Koforidua. Again the Doctors said she needs regular physiotherapy so coming to Koforidua also gives us access to physiotherapy services. So it is because of Adepa that we came”, she added.
Joseph Asiedu Yirenkyi, the father confirmed various suggestions they received to terminate the baby’s life, but the couple chose to defy these recommendations.
The couple has named their child Adepa, meaning “precious,” as a symbol of their commitment to raising her and fulfilling what they believe is God’s purpose for her life.
“The reason for naming her Adepa is because she is so precious to me. I have accepted her as a gift from God” The mother explained.
Adepa’s story reignites the need for more awareness and support for families affected by congenital disorders in Ghana.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/Kojo Ansah
