OUR STORY
The Child Research and Resource Centre (CRRECENT) is a civil society organization based in Ghana, established on October 21, 2004. As a private, voluntary, not-for-profit entity, CRRECENT is dedicated to promoting child and youth protection and development as fundamental aspects of national progress.
CRRECENT’s journey began informally within the Greater Accra region through faith-based community initiatives, spearheaded by Emmanuel and Susan, with enthusiastic support from young volunteers. The need for formal registration became evident in the late 1990s and early 2000s when Susan’s leadership of the National Coalition on the Rights of the Child highlighted the critical absence of evidence-based information in child and youth programs.
Our Mission
To transform lives through research-driven, child-centered programs, fostering hope and opportunities for disadvantaged youth.
Our Vision
To be a leading hub for improving the lives of vulnerable children and youth in Ghana and beyond.
CRRECENT is dedicated to building a just and equitable environment for children and youth in Ghana. Our work focuses on three key groups to drive meaningful, lasting change:
Helpless Children 0–18 years
We prioritize the protection, development, and well-being of children most at risk of poverty, abuse, and neglect. Through direct engagement, we address urgent needs, measure real-world impact, and bring a human face to our mission.
Youth (19–24 years)
We empower young people with education and skills to break cycles of poverty and create sustainable futures. These youth become advocates and role models, driving change in their communities and strengthening CRRECENT’s long-term impact.
Policymakers & Stakeholders
We advocate for systemic change by engaging decision-makers to influence policy, resource allocation, and legal frameworks that protect children’s rights. Our evidence-based approach ensures our advocacy is grounded in real experiences and research.
Together, these efforts form a holistic strategy supporting individuals, empowering future leaders, and transforming systems for generations to come.
How We Got Started
CRRECENT was formally registered in 2004 and has since grown into a pioneering organization that leverages research-driven approaches to address the developmental and protection needs of vulnerable children and youth. Rooted in the belief that every child, when given the right opportunities, can thrive, CRRECENT conducts impactful studies that inform advocacy and interventions, while also empowering stakeholders and building accountable communities.
Where We Are Now
CRRECENT continues to be actively engaged in child protection and youth development through research and advocacy. Recently, as part of its 20th anniversary celebrations, it hosted a high-impact forum discussing Ghana’s youth bulge and its implications for national development. The event brought together experts to address issues such as juvenile justice, youth delinquency, and crime prevention.
CRRECENT remains committed to evidence-based programs focusing on juvenile justice, girls’ empowerment, early childhood development, and child and youth policy forums. It collaborates with both local and international organizations to promote the protection and development of children and young people.
CRRECENT 20th Anniversary.
The Key Speaker: The Commissioner of CHRAJ Spoke on “The Youth Bulge and Crime”. CRRECENT flagging children and youth crime in the days ahead.
Our Achievements
2022
Sophie Stenberk Foundation Award
Awarded for our outstanding contribution to child welfare and empowerment initiatives.
2021
Reach for Change Impact Award
Recognized for our innovative approaches in creating sustainable change for children and youth.
2020
Ghana Philanthropy Excellence Award
Honored for our commitment to philanthropy and community service in Ghana.
The National Philantropy Excellence Award
CRRECENT received “Child 10” Impact Award presented by Reach for Change, Sweden.
Received the Sophie Stenberk Foundarion Award in Sweden
our impact
Children Reached
Schools Engaged
Teachers Trained
Senior Correctional Centre Staff Trained
Juveniles Rehabilitated and Reintegrated
Children regain access to their mothers
from Our Leadership
Dear Friends,
Thank you for your continued support of CRRECENT. Because of your generosity, over 250,000 young people in Ghana have benefited from our programs.
Your donations go entirely to supporting at-risk youth, thanks to our dedicated staff and volunteers. Together, we’re creating real opportunities for growth, skills development, and lasting change.
We look forward to reaching even more communities with your help. Thank you for making a difference.
Sincerely,
The Board of Directors
CRRECENT
Professor Ellen Bortei-Doku Aryeetey
An esteemed academic and consultant, Prof. Bortei-Doku Aryeetey brings invaluable experience from her tenure as Director of the Center for Policy Studies at the University of Ghana.
Dr. Yao Yeboah
A veteran development professional and health consultant, Dr. Yeboah’s three decades of experience span social services, health, academia, and leadership roles
Edmund Foley
A passionate human rights lawyer specializing in child rights, Mr. Foley leads the Legal Aid Commission of Ghana and has a wealth of experience in advocacy and program management.
Christie-Pearl Adomako
A committed lawyer with a focus on juvenile justice, Mrs. Adomako is a senior legal associate and advocate for child protection
Ms. Juliana Adu-Gyamfi
With over 35 years in development leadership, Mrs. Adu-Gyamfi specializes in capacity building for emerging leaders and child rights advocacy.
Dr. Sylvester Kyei-Gyamfi
A researcher and statistician, Dr. Kyei-Gyamfi’s expertise in data analysis and child rights advocacy supports evidence-based policy development.
Ms. Susan Sabaa
A dedicated child rights practitioner and educator, Ms. Sabaa leads CRRECENT with nearly four decades of experience in child protection and development.
George Obeng Danso
An expert in communication and marketing, Mr. Danso is known for his strategic insight into resource mobilization and customer engagement
Emmanuel L. Sabaa
A financial analyst and management consultant, Mr. Sabaa’s strategic oversight strengthens CRRECENT’s program and operational effectiveness.
Our Journey Through Time
Explore the milestones that have shaped CRRECENT’s journey from its inception to its current impact.
'04
Foundation Laid
CRRECENT was officially established in Accra marking the beginning of our mission to support vulnerable children.
'05
First Major Program Launch
Launched our first comprehensive program aimed at improving educational outcomes for children in rural areas.
'12
Expansion into Neighboring Towns.
Extended our reach to neighboring regions, broadening our impact and fostering regional collaboration.
'16
Policy Advocacy Success
Achieved a significant breakthrough in policy advocacy, influencing child protection laws at the national level.
Key National Contributions
CRRECENT has played a crucial role in shaping national policies and practices related to justice, child welfare, and education in Ghana. Their key contributions include:
Assignment
Active participation on the Discharge Board for the Senior Correctional Centre.
Membership on the Intersectoral Committee for Child Justice Administration in Ghana, influencing the direction of child justice initiatives
Function
Significant involvement in the review and drafting of key national documents, such as:
-
- The Juvenile Justice Act.
- The Child and Family Welfare Policy.
- The Justice for Children Policy.
Role
Representing CRRECENT on the Social Protection Committee, providing vital input on policy enactment and related issues. Authoring a national document on behavior management specifically for pre-tertiary institutions, which was prepared for the Ghana Education Service
What Our Beneficiaries Say
★★★★★
“CRRECENT has been a beacon of hope for my family. Their support has transformed our lives, providing my children with educational opportunities we never thought possible.”
Ama K.
Mother of Beneficiaries
★★★★★
“Thanks to CRRECENT, I have learned valuable skills that have helped me secure a job and support my family. Their programs truly change lives.”
Kwame A.
Program Participant
★★★★★
“The dedication and passion of the CRRECENT team are unmatched. They have given me the tools and confidence to pursue my dreams.”
Michael K
Youth Beneficiary
Become a Volunteer Today
You don’t need to have it all figured out. Just bring your passion, and we’ll provide the platform.”
Saving Lives & Building Families Since 2004
Children Reached
$ Raised
Projects Built
Our Commitment is to Help Children in Need
Over 10,240 children in 64 schools across the Greater Accra and Eastern regions of Ghana have been reached. It is not just about numbers; it’s about providing thousands of young people with the opportunity to thrive.
Get in Touch. Get Involved.
Our work cannot succeed without you. Whether you’re a student, professional, or passionate citizen, you can be part of our mission.