On the busy streets of Accra, where traffic, noise, and survival collide, Portia Acquaye could
often be seen hawking with her twin children strapped to her back. Like many mothers, she
was not there by choice—but by necessity. It was on one of these streets that Portia’s life took
a hopeful turn when she met Dzifa Tetteh Tay, a renowned freelance journalist who saw
beyond the hustle and recognized a family in need of support.
Through this encounter, Portia was referred to Sanctuary For Children, opening the door to
a journey of assessment, understanding, and renewed hope.
A Life Shaped by Early Responsibility
Portia Acquaye’s story is one of resilience forged early. At just 16 years old, she became a
mother to twins—her first children. Over the years, she has given birth to eight children, two
of whom sadly passed away. For more than 24 years, Portia has cohabited with her partner,
Isaac Ahinful, navigating the daily challenges of providing for a large household under
unstable economic conditions.
Before the birth of her last set of twins, Portia was trading in second-hand clothing in Tema.
When her partner became unemployed, she exhausted all her business capital to support the
family—choosing survival over sustainability.
Today, Portia is the primary caregiver of the Ahinful household.
A Family Under Strain
The family resides in Tema New Town, living in a single wooden shed rented at GHS 150
per month. The home has no toilet or bathing facilities, forcing Portia and her children to
walk long distances and pay fees to access public facilities. Her partner, Isaac, works
intermittently as a support staff on fishing vessels, with income that is unpredictable and
insufficient.
Out of necessity, two of Portia’s children currently live with her mother, as caring for all
the children at once became overwhelming. Her eldest child, Augustine Ahinful (23), lives
independently and works as a loader at a cold store to support himself.
Despite their hardships, Portia remains deeply committed to her children’s wellbeing.
However, financial constraints mean that not all of the children are enrolled in school,
and the family is not registered under the National Health Insurance Scheme, even
though public health and educational facilities exist nearby.
Assessment, Understanding, and a New Beginning
Following a successful Family Assessment, case workers from Sanctuary For Children
visited Portia at her residence to gain a deeper understanding of her family’s situation. The
assessment highlighted both the vulnerabilities and the remarkable strength within the
household.
As a result, Portia Acquaye has been enrolled into Sanctuary For Children’s Family
Strengthening Program—a critical step toward stability and self-reliance.
Dreams Rooted in Dignity
Portia has no formal education and has not received vocational training, yet her vision for
her family’s future is clear and practical.
Short-term goal: To set up a small retail shop near her home selling soaps,
toiletries, water, and basic household items—providing steady daily income.
Long-term goal: To receive vocational training in bakery, enabling her to establish
a bakery business and build lasting financial security.
These goals reflect Portia’s determination not just to survive, but to provide, protect, and
progress.
Why Portia’s Story Matters
Portia Acquaye’s journey is not just her own—it represents the lived reality of many families
struggling silently across our communities. Through timely intervention, compassionate
assessment, and structured support, Sanctuary For Children is helping transform
vulnerability into opportunity.
Portia’s story reminds us that when families are strengthened, children are protected—and
hope is restored.