On Monday, June 3rd, 2024, the Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Hon. Dakoa Newman, accompanied by the Chief Director, Director of Social Welfare, and several department workers, conducted unannounced inspections of daycare centers in the Greater Accra Region.

The inspections aimed to verify if these centers were operating with valid licenses issued by the social welfare department and adhering to proper sanitation guidelines to ensure a healthy learning environment for children.

The team visited ten daycare centers and found that most were operating without licenses, and some had expired licenses. Hon. Newman emphasized the necessity for daycares to operate with valid licenses according to national regulations.

The minister also noted the inappropriate use of television sets in some centers, highlighting UN guidelines that recommend no screen time for children under two years old. She urged the centers to provide appropriate toys for children, stressing the importance of play in early learning.

The unannounced visits included stops at The Cedar School, Hope of Glory Passion School, Day Spring Montessori, St. Adelaide International School, New Princeton School, McHill Montessori School, Osofo Owuo Memorial School, Genesis Shishidzee, La Neighborhood Early Childhood Development Center, and Teshie Neighborhood Community Daycare Center.

At Osofo Owuo Memorial Daycare Center, the delegation found an unhygienic environment and the center operating without a license. Disappointed, Hon. Newman threatened to close the center until it met the necessary standards to protect the children’s health.

“You cannot operate a daycare center without a license. The social welfare department must monitor and close all centers that do not comply with the regulations and laws of Ghana,” she stated.

Apostle Philip Ghartey, headteacher of Osofo Owuo Memorial Daycare, pleaded for more time to improve the conditions, citing financial constraints as a challenge.

Hon. Newman urged parents to ensure the daycares they choose for their children are properly licensed.

Rev. Dr. Comfort Asare, Director of the Department of Social Welfare, added that daycare centers should have spacious rooms, play areas, educational drawings, toys, appropriate furniture, a menu chart, and, most importantly, a valid license to operate.

BY : Beyonce Diamond Kpogli

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