The Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, has conducted a follow-up wellness visit to the Accra Psychiatric Hospital after intervening in a distressing case in Bulemi within the Weija-Gbawe Municipality.

The visit, held on Thursday, April 2, was to monitor the progress of a woman who had been reported to be preparing meals for her children using unsafe and unhygienic substances, and to address emerging concerns.

The visit forms part of the Minister’s broader efforts to ensure that vulnerable individuals and families receive the care, protection and support they need.

At the hospital, she engaged the woman and observed notable improvement under medical and psychological care since her admission.

The Minister also spent time interacting with the woman’s two sons, who showed encouraging signs of recovery, reflecting the care and attention they are receiving.

She further engaged their father, who was present, as part of ongoing efforts to ensure a stable and nurturing pathway for the children going forward.

Beyond the immediate family, the Minister interacted with other patients, offering words of encouragement.

As part of the visit, she presented relief items and personal essentials to support the woman and her children during their recovery.

Speaking during the visit, the Director of the Accra Psychiatric Hospital, Dr Kwadzo Marfo Obeng, commended the Minister for her swift response and continued involvement.

He emphasised the importance of early intervention, sustained care and strong collaboration between health professionals and social services in managing such cases effectively.

Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey reiterated government’s commitment to protecting vulnerable persons and ensuring that no one is left behind in accessing care and social protection services.

She also engaged officers of the Social Welfare Unit at the hospital, stressing the need for coordinated support systems to help affected individuals and families rebuild their lives beyond institutional care.

She further noted that the Ministry is actively exploring ways to enhance social protection systems, including the ongoing reassessment and expansion of the LEAP programme, to better identify and support vulnerable individuals in institutional settings.

Behind the scenes, she indicated that steps are being taken to secure a stable future for the children, including continued monitoring, psychosocial support, and plans to facilitate their reintegration into a safe family environment and a return to education.