Compassion International Ghana climax 20th anniversary with commitment to child protection, thriving families
Compassion International Ghana (CIGH), a Christ-centered and child-focused non-profit organization, held a thanksgiving service on Thursday, July 24, in Accra to mark the climax of its 20th anniversary celebrations.
The well-attended event brought together members of CIGH’s Governing Council, denominational leaders, government officials, national leadership teams, Frontline Church Partners, child development workers, and staff.
It was held under the theme: “20 Years of Service in Child and Youth Transformation: Hope, Dignity, Opportunity — All in Jesus’ Name.”
Moderated by broadcaster Portia Gabor and CIGH alumnus Kingsley Doe, the event highlighted CIGH’s two-decade journey in Ghana. It featured solidarity messages, a documentary showcasing years of transformation, an awards ceremony, poetry recitals and vibrant cultural dance performances by some of the children.
Notable among the dignitaries were Former Moderator of the Methodist Church, Right Rev. Michael Agyarkwah Bossman, Chairman of CIGH Governing Council, Rev. Philip Kofi Tutu, Founder of Salt and Light Ministries, Rev. Joyce Rosalind Aryee, President of the Ghana Bar Association, Efua Ghartey Esq, National Director of CIGH, Mr Kobina Yeboah Okyere and CEO of National Youth Authority, Osman Ayariga
Commitment to child protection
Providing highlights of the 20-years journey, Mr Kobina Yeboah Okyere, emphasized the organization's goal to see families become thriving and resilient, and to help church partners become resourceful, responsive and impactful in their communities.
He mentioned that operating in 13 of county's 16 regions, the organization focuses on key areas including spiritual growth, maternal and child care, education, health, water and sanitation (WASH), and livelihood support for both youth and caregivers.
Mr Okyere stressed the critical importance of child protection, noting that every child in the programme is entrusted by their parents, and the CIGH is committed to knowing, loving, connecting with and most importantly, protecting each child.
"Every child that comes into our programme is a child a parent has allowed to come out of trust, believing that we will do what is within our capacity, within the available resources, and all that is at our disposal to ensure that that child is protected," he said.
"And in compassion, together with our church partners, we say our commitment to every child is that we will know them, we will love them, and we will connect to them But more importantly also, that they will be protected," he stressed.
20-year journey
Mr Okyere reflected on the organization’s 20-year journey, highlighting a series of impactful activities held as part of the anniversary celebration.
He said these began with a launch in September, followed by initiatives like providing startup equipment to youth in vocational and technical programs—recognizing that each child’s path is unique and worth nurturing.
According to him, other activities included a sports festival to showcase youth talent, a business entrepreneurship challenge that awarded top participants with funding and mentorship, and a Thriving Child Seminar that brought stakeholders together to address critical issues such as the impact of illegal mining (Galamsey) on children.
"Compassion starts in worship. Basically, for us to say, God, we adore you and you still remain the center of our work. Today, we are gathered here for the very climax of this program, bringing together a wide range of stakeholders and partners who have contributed in diverse ways and have toiled, sweat, given up, made a lot of sacrifices," he said.
He added that the celebrations concluded with a grand event that honoured the sacrifices and contributions of partners and showcased the transformed lives of youth who have gone through the programme.
Transforming lives
He mentioned that by 2030, the organization aims to reach and transform the lives of 150,000 children and youth in poverty-affected communities.
He said so far, they have cumulatively impacted over 125,000 individuals, including children, youth, and survivors, with the 100,000th child recently registered in the program.
The organization’s three key strategic outcomes focus on producing fulfilled, empowered participants who become agents of change in their local communities and beyond, with the goal being to raise global champions who can influence not only Ghana but the world.
"And what we see is that every participant, every child who comes into the program will be an empowered agent, acting as agents of change in local, regional, and global spaces. I put emphasis on local, regional, and global spaces. We are raising global champions to influence the world, not just Ghana," he stressed.
Holistic development
President of the Ghana Bar Association (GBA), Efua Ghartey praised Compassion International Ghana for its transformative work since 2005, partnering with 418 local churches to impact nearly 99,000 children across the nation.
In a keynote address, she emphasized that these efforts go beyond numbers as they reflect stories of transformed lives, nurtured faith, and empowered futures.
Mrs Ghartey highlighted the organization’s role in holistic development: feeding souls, educating minds, and shaping future leaders.
"Indeed, your mission is pro bono for the public good. You have gone beyond charity. You have enacted justice for the most vulnerable amongst us, our children," she said.
"Today, your work reveals something exceptional about the soul of Ghana. A soul that does not abandon the poor, but lifts them, and does not ignore the child, but equips them. Across the country, children and young children make up 60% of the population, a statistic that speaks both to opportunity and urgency," she stressed.
She acknowledged that while the law ensures children's rights, compassion brings those rights to life, adding Ghana's constitution and international commitments legally mandate child welfare, but Compassion International has helped turn these obligations into lived realities.
She also noted that laws like the Exemptions Act 2022 could benefit organizations like Compassion International, and encouraged the pursuit of such support, recognizing them as key partners in national development.
Profound appreciation
The GBA President expressed deep appreciation for the sponsors, churches, caregivers, staff and volunteers whose collective efforts have empowered children and revealed the compassionate soul of Ghana.
She urged continued commitment to the mission, emphasizing that while past achievements are worth celebrating, the focus must remain on future goals—particularly the aim to eradicate extreme poverty among children by 2030.
"Let us take a moment to honor the sponsors, both local and international, whose generosity is not just financial but foundational. The churches whose walls have become sanctuaries of transformation. The caregivers whose love turns houses into homes."
"The staff and volunteers whose daily acts of faithfulness build legacies. Your collective labor has revealed the soul of Ghana, a nation that does not abandon its children but empowers them. Yet, as we commemorate this great milestone, we must also prepare for what lies ahead," she stressed.
She also highlighted new and evolving challenges facing Ghanaian youth, including digital disruption, mental health issues, unemployment, peer pressure, and cyber exploitation.
"To our younger beneficiaries, many of whom are now professionals, entrepreneurs, and leaders, you are the legacy of this vision. Your testimony is not just yours. It is a bridge for the next child waiting to rise. Sow that seed now for the next generation's benefit," she said
Partnership
She affirmed that the Ghana Bar Association is ready to partner with Compassion International to protect child rights and ensure justice for every child in Ghana.
"On behalf of the Ghana Bar Association, I congratulate Compassion International Ghana on 20 years of unwavering impact. May the next decade be marked by deeper partnerships, stronger policy engagement, broader reach, and even greater miracles," she concluded.
