In a move aimed at fostering greater social equity and enhancing the welfare of vulnerable children, the IMANI Center for Policy and Education has formally requested the Ghana Bar Association (GBA) to review and reduce the legal fees associated with the adoption process in Ghana.
The Founding President of the policy think-tank, Franklin Cudjoe, in a petition addressed to the President of the Ghana Bar Association, Yaw Acheampong Boafo, underscored the urgent need to make adoption more accessible to a larger segment of the population, particularly those from middle-class and lower-income backgrounds.
Highlighting the importance of adoption, Mr Cudjoe indicated that it serves as a critical pathway to provide permanent, loving homes for children who cannot live with their biological families, adding that it offers stability, affection, and the opportunity for these children to thrive.
However, Mr Cudjoe noted that the current high legal costs associated with adoption in Ghana pose significant financial barriers, discouraging many well-meaning individuals and families from pursuing adoption.
“Hope this letter finds you in good health. I am writing on behalf of the IMANI Center for Policy and Education to voice our concerns over the published legal fees of the Ghana Bar Association’s (GBA) related to the adoption procedure in Ghana. In order to make adoption more affordable for a larger portion of Ghana’s population, we would like to respectfully ask that these fees be reviewed and maybe reduced”
Franklin Cudjoe, Founding President, IMANI Centre for Policy and Education
Financial Barriers and Inequitable Access
Furthermore, the Founding President of IMANI Center for Policy and Education highlighted the hefty legal fees, which according to him range from $2000 to $4000, translating to approximately GHS 29,000 at the current exchange rate.
Mr Cudjoe indicated that these costs, combined with reports of extortion from some staff within the Social Welfare Department, create an additional layer of frustration for prospective adoptive parents.
As a result, Mr Cudjoe indicated that fewer adoptions occur, leading to an increased number of children remaining in foster care or institutional settings for prolonged periods.
“Inequitable Access: Less wealthy families bear a disproportionate share of the financial cost of adoption, which restricts the pool of potential adoptive parents and lowers the likelihood that many children will find a permanent home”.
Franklin Cudjoe, Founding President, IMANI Centre for Policy and Education
According to Mr Cudjoe, the long-term social and economic implications of this include higher state expenses for child care and support services, as well as potentially negative outcomes for the children involved.
Advocating for Change
In a detailed petition addressed to Mr. Boafo of the GBA, Franklin Cudjoe, Founder and President of IMANI Centre for Policy and Education, outlined the critical challenges posed by the current fee structure.
Mr Cudjoe emphasized that reducing legal fees would likely encourage more adoptions, thereby relieving the strain on childcare centres and orphanages.
By lowering the adoption costs, Mr Cudjoe further argued that a broader range of individuals could participate in the process, promoting social justice and ensuring that the ability to adopt is not restricted by financial capacity.
He also noted that a more affordable adoption process would enhance the public perception of the legal profession, showcasing a commitment to societal welfare and the protection of vulnerable children.
Call to Action
In a fervent call to action, the Founding President of the IMANI Centre for Policy and Education urged the Ghana Bar Association to consider measures such as providing pro bono services for lower-income families or establishing a more affordable standard fee for adoption services.
He emphasized that such actions would demonstrate the Ghana Bar Association’s dedication to social justice and align with international movements advocating for more inclusive and equitable adoption processes.
In concluding his remarks, Mr Cudjoe indicated that a reexamination and reduction of adoption-related legal fees would significantly enhance Ghana’s adoption landscape.
He expressed the IMANI Centre for Policy and Education’s willingness to engage in further discussions with the GBA to explore potential solutions and ensure that more children in Ghana can benefit from stable, loving homes.
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