Member of Parliament for Mpraeso, Davis Opoku Ansah, has pledged his full support to the family of young Adepa, a child born with a rare congenital condition called phocomelia, which has led to the absence of three limbs.
The MP made this commitment after visiting Adepa and her family in Koforidua on Monday, following their relocation from Mpraeso due to societal stigma.
Describing Adepa as a “bright, playful, loving child,” Opoku Ansah expressed his sorrow over the family’s plight, emphasizing the need for urgent medical attention. “I am committed to supporting this family in every way possible to ensure Adepa finds the comfort and care she deserves. I encourage the public to come together and support this wonderful family,” he stated.
The MP acknowledged the family’s challenges, especially their decision to relocate from Mpraeso due to the stigma surrounding their daughter’s condition. However, he dismissed reports of neglect in the Mpraeso community, noting that these were exaggerated. “Our community remains dedicated to standing together, especially during difficult times,” he remarked, urging for more compassion and support.
Adepa’s parents, Elder Joseph Asiedu Yirenkyi and his wife Ampadu Ellen, members of The Church of Pentecost, have been praised for their bravery in keeping their daughter despite societal pressure to end her life. Adepa, their fifth child, was born via Caesarean section at Atibie Government Hospital, where doctors were shocked by her condition, as it had not been detected in ultrasound scans during antenatal care.
The couple shared how they faced immense pressure from their community in Kwahu Mpraeso to kill their child, leading them to relocate to Koforidua. However, they remained resolute in their decision, naming their daughter Adepa, meaning “precious,” as a testament to their commitment to raising her.
Debrah Bekoe Isaac, CEO of the nonprofit organization As I Grow, which first identified Adepa’s condition, has called for public support to help provide the child with physiotherapy and prosthetics. These would improve her mobility and enable her to begin school.
Globally, congenital disorders affect about 6% of babies, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), with birth defects contributing significantly to the global burden of disease. Adepa’s story highlights the stigma and challenges faced by families of children with congenital disabilities.
Elder Yirenkyi and his wife plan to establish the “Adepa Foundation” to raise awareness about phocomelia and other congenital conditions in an effort to end the stigma and prevent the killing of babies born with such conditions.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Obed Ansah
