A frail elderly man has been discovered abandoned near a container shop in Tema Community 7, within the Uhuru Electoral Area of the metropolis.
According to residents, an unknown individual riding a motorbike dropped the man by the roadside directly opposite the Tema Joint Church on Friday, March 28, 2025, and quickly left the scene.
A concerned local resident recounted to Graphic Online that upon noticing the elderly man’s weak state and disoriented demeanor, an eyewitness approached him. After speaking to the man, it was evident that he had been intentionally left behind by the motorcyclist.
“He appears to be struggling with memory loss and is unable to provide any meaningful information about himself, except for a non-functional telephone number and his name, which he said is Richmond Kwame Baffour,” the resident explained.
Further conversations revealed that the man claimed he once worked at Pioneer Food Cannery, a popular company in the area, and later served as an Uber driver. Verification efforts found that the phone number he provided is saved as ‘Kwame Uber’ in the Truecaller database, supporting his claim.
One of the residents, Ms. Mante, explained that a report was immediately made to the police, and authorities initially assured them they would dispatch officers to assist. However, despite repeated follow-up calls and visits to senior officers, no action has been taken.
In the meantime, residents reached out to the Social Welfare office located at the Tema General Hospital. However, they were informed that the welfare team required a formal police extract before they could intervene and provide any assistance.
Currently, the man’s situation is dire. Well-meaning residents have taken it upon themselves to provide him with basic care, including meals, baths, and clean clothing. Unfortunately, his physical condition continues to deteriorate. Unable to stand or walk unaided, he often soils himself. Without proper facilities, he has been left to sleep outdoors, exposed to the elements, directly in front of a container shop under a small extension roof. In the first few days following his abandonment, he slept under a table without even a mat or bedding.
The situation has been worsened by recent heavy rains at night, leaving the man vulnerable, cold, and wet. Despite the community's efforts, they are increasingly overwhelmed and worried about his deteriorating health.
When a reporter from Graphic Online visited the location, the elderly man managed to recall being married to a woman named Kate, who he believes lives in Tema Community 5. However, he was unable to remember how he ended up at Community 7 or who was responsible for abandoning him.
Ms. Mante and other residents are appealing to the public, especially those living in and around Tema, to help identify any relatives of Richmond Kwame Baffour. They believe that reuniting him with his family or placing him in a healthcare facility is critical for his well-being.
Meanwhile, the Department of Social Welfare and Community Development in Tema has acknowledged the situation. Mr. Robert Mensah Gbley, the Head of the Social Welfare Department in Tema, confirmed that they are working on relocating the elderly man to a psychiatric hospital despite severe resource constraints.
Mr. Gbley emphasized that currently, there is no dedicated shelter for abandoned persons within Tema, making the task of assisting vulnerable individuals like Mr. Baffour particularly challenging. He added that most institutions that could admit him require the presence of a family member or legal guardian to complete the intake process.
He reiterated the call for public assistance in tracing Mr. Baffour’s family, stressing that family involvement would not only facilitate his admission into a care facility but also ensure that he receives the emotional support and stability he desperately needs.
Residents and authorities alike remain hopeful that someone will recognize Richmond Kwame Baffour and come forward to assist in reuniting him with his loved ones. In the meantime, the local community continues to show compassion by providing food, clothing, and basic care.
Anyone with information about the man's relatives or history is encouraged to contact the nearest police station or the Department of Social Welfare at the Tema Metropolitan Assembly.
The case of Richmond Kwame Baffour highlights the urgent need for stronger support systems for abandoned and vulnerable individuals across Ghana. It also calls attention to the gaps in emergency social services and the need for collaboration between law enforcement, social workers, and local communities to address such humanitarian crises more effectively.
The community’s efforts have been commendable, but without immediate intervention from authorities or the identification of his family, the elderly man’s health and safety remain at serious risk.
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