Forty-four patients have successfully undergone cleft surgery and speech correction training at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital following a week-long specialised outreach programme.
The initiative was organised by the National Reconstructive Plastic Surgery and Burns Centre in collaboration with a Swedish team from Operation Smile, providing free treatment to children living with cleft conditions across the country.
Dubbed “Voices Restored, Smiles Renewed,” the programme ran from March 14 to March 20, 2026, combining surgical procedures with speech therapy to improve both health and communication outcomes.
Out of 122 patients screened from all sixteen regions, 44 were selected to undergo surgery and speech training. The exercise brought together international specialists and local healthcare professionals to deliver care while strengthening local capacity.
Speech therapy lead Liisi Raud Westberg noted that many children born with cleft conditions face stigma and communication challenges that can affect their confidence and access to education. She stressed that speech intervention plays a key role in helping them integrate better into society.
Chairman of Operation Smile Ghana, Subhi Aecad, emphasised that cleft lip and palate are medical conditions and not spiritual issues, adding that early treatment can significantly improve a child’s quality of life.
Country Medical Director, Opoku Ware Ampomah, explained that some children require advanced speech procedures even after surgery, highlighting the importance of continuous care and specialised training. He revealed that over 2,700 free cleft surgeries have been performed in Ghana since 2011.
He also announced plans to expand services to regional hospitals, including the Volta Regional Hospital, to reduce the burden on families who travel long distances for treatment.
The outreach, led by Director of the Centre, Edem Kofi Anyigba, forms part of ongoing efforts to improve access to specialised care, restore confidence, and transform the lives of children living with cleft conditions in Ghana.
