By Selina Thompson (UMAC-IJ, Thompsonselina23@gmail.com)
In the heart of Accra, Ghana’s sprawling capital, the streets come alive with the sounds of bustling markets, honking cars, and the hum of everyday life. Amidst this urban chaos, a group of street kids ekes out an existence, their stories intertwined with the city’s rhythm. Among them is Kofi, a 13-year-old boy with bright eyes and an infectious smile, who has been navigating the city’s streets since he was eight.
Kofi lost his parents to an illness that swept through their village. With no family left to care for him, he made his way to Accra, hoping for a better life. Instead, he found himself part of a larger, invisible community of children who live and sleep on the streets. Here, he befriended Ama, a 10-year-old girl with a talent for art and a resilience that belied her age. Ama, too, had a tragic story, having fled from an abusive home in the northern region of Ghana.
The street kids formed a makeshift family, banding together for safety and support. During the day, they navigated the bustling markets of Makola and Kaneshie, scavenging for food, selling small items, or performing errands for busy vendors. Kofi had a knack for finding discarded goods that could be resold, while Ama often impressed passers-by with her sketches, earning a few cedis here and there.
Life on the streets was harsh. The police saw them as nuisances and potential criminals, often harassing or arresting them. Older street dwellers, driven by desperation, sometimes posed threats. Kofi, despite his young age, had learned to be quick-witted and resourceful, defusing tensions and finding safe places for the group to sleep each night.
Despite the daily struggles, moments of joy and camaraderie punctuated their lives. At night, under the flickering streetlights, Ama would draw scenes from her imagination, sharing stories of hope and adventure with the younger kids. Kofi would recount tales of his village, reminding everyone of the beauty and simplicity of rural life.
Their survival hinged on this sense of community. They shared whatever little they had, protected each other, and found strength in their unity. In a city that often turned a blind eye to their plight, these street kids created their own world, resilient and hopeful amidst adversity. They dreamed of better days, of education, and a future where their talents and stories would be recognized and celebrated.
One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the city, Kofi and Ama decided to take a bold step. They penned a heartfelt letter to the government, pleading for support and recognition. They described their daily struggles and dreams, painting a vivid picture of life on the streets.
“Dear Government of Ghana,” Kofi wrote, his hand trembling slightly, “We are the children you see every day, yet we are often invisible. We dream of going to school, of having a safe place to sleep, and of a future where we can contribute to our country. We are not criminals; we are children who need help.”
Ama added, “We ask for shelters where we can sleep without fear, programs that can help us learn and grow, and support to reunite with families if possible. We have talents and dreams, just like any other child. Please, hear our plea and help us build a better future.”
They delivered the letter to a local NGO worker who promised to ensure it reached the right hands. As they returned to their makeshift shelter that night, a sense of cautious hope filled their hearts. The next steps were uncertain, but they had taken a stand, giving a voice to their silent struggle. In the heart of Accra, the voices of street kids began to rise, a call for change and compassion that could no longer be ignored.
