The Roshelle Brago Boakye Foundation (ROBB Foundation) has joined the global community in commemorating World Down Syndrome Day, advocating for greater awareness and inclusion for individuals with Down syndrome in Ghana.

The foundation continues to lead efforts in supporting mothers of children with special needs while increasing public education on the condition.

Speaking at the West Hills Hall on Friday, March 21, 2025, the Executive Director, Mavis Asantewaa Opoku, stressed that Down syndrome is not a curse but a genetic condition that requires understanding, compassion, and specialised care.

She highlighted the foundation’s work in raising awareness and promoting inclusion, noting that Down syndrome affects one in every 1,000 live births.

In Ghana, she said, the condition is often misunderstood, with many perceiving it as a bad omen.

However, she emphasised that individuals with Down syndrome deserve love, care, and the opportunity to live fulfilling lives.

This year’s theme, ‘Improve Our Support System’, she explained, focuses on education as a key priority.

The foundation is committed to encouraging mothers to send their children with Down syndrome to school, while also providing vocational training for those raising children with special needs, equipping them with skills to better support their families.

The Senior Housemaster at the Accra Rehabilitation Centre, William Ohene, called for more structured support for children with Down syndrome, acknowledging the challenges involved in teaching them.

He noted that they often engage in their own activities while being instructed, making it difficult to maintain their focus.

He urged the government to enhance support for persons with disabilities, arguing that more needs to be done beyond just addressing the needs of those with Down syndrome.

Despite being a genetic condition, Down syndrome remains widely misunderstood, with many families struggling to cope with the challenges that come with raising a child with special needs.

A mother of a child with Down syndrome, Reachel Adom, described the emotional and social difficulties involved.

She stressed the importance of inclusivity, explaining that children with Down syndrome can also learn better when integrated into mainstream society.

She also called for intensified education to reduce the stigma and misconceptions surrounding the condition.

As the world marks World Down Syndrome Day, the call for acceptance, inclusion, and sustained support remains more urgent than ever.