The ‘Child Development Centre’, a project of the Mercy Baptist Church and Compassion International Ghana, a non-governmental organization (NGO), is equipped with music and computer laboratories, library and lecture theatre.

 The Reverend Sylvester Yao Olympio, former Head Pastor of the Church, said the holistic development of the child should be a top priority of all.

This was because their proper upbringing ensured that they grew up to become responsible citizens worthy of championing the good cause of the nation for sustainable development and growth.

Rev. Olympio indicated that one key reason for the many deviant youth in the Ghanaian society today, was the neglect of child development issues.

He said it was important that children were imbued with the relevant values and virtues so that “they do not depart from them when they grow up”.

 Mr. Philip Agyemang-Duah, Project Director for the Centre, said the facility aimed at serving as hope for underprivileged children as they would be trained to acquire skills, especially in music, information and communication technology (ICT) for their own benefit.

 Mr Young Attipoe, a Deacon of the Church, indicated that the facility was informed by the high rate of school drop-outs in the community.

 “As a church which believes in shaping the lives of the youth for the better, we are optimistic this project would go a long way to transform the lives of beneficiaries,” he noted.

 Mr. Francis Addabor, acting Head of the Church, disclosed that the Church had over the years been engaged in community outreach programmes, including the payment of premiums for needy people to enjoy the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).

 They had also offered educational scholarships to some underprivileged children to pursue their educational careers.