In a modest rented home tucked away in Kumasi-Ashanti Region, a revolution quietly unfolds every single day.
The revolution doesn’t come with fanfare or flashing lights, but in the soft laughter of children once deemed disposable, in the steady hands of a woman who refuses to give up on them, and in the silent healing of families torn apart by stigma and fear.
At the heart of this transformation is Martha Opoku Agyemang, a 56-year-old mother, caregiver, and founder of the Kids and Single Parents Care (KSPC) Foundation.
Her mission is to rewrite the narrative for children with Cerebral Palsy (CP) and their caregivers — and by extension, for an entire nation still grappling with how to treat the most vulnerable.
A life of resilience and advocacy
Martha hails from the Asampong clan of Teteram in the Afigya Kwabre North District.
Both of her parents were members of the Adu Johnson family of OI 7, Ash-Town.
Her father is native of Kumawu and Yabie.
Two years ago, Martha suffered a profound personal tragedy with the loss of her mother, three sisters, and her brother—a grief that continues to shape her journey.
A devoted single mother, Martha cares for her son, who has cerebral palsy and requires full-time support.
She is also the guardian of two adopted children, extending her nurturing spirit to others in need.
Her advocacy for children with cerebral palsy began nearly two decades ago.
What started as a personal mission quickly evolved into a national call for inclusion and awareness.
3 foundational pillars pass away
She was initially supported by her late mother, beloved brother, and Angelene Scott from the USA—three foundational pillars of encouragement who have since passed away.
Their belief in her vision laid the groundwork for what has become a lifelong cause.
Over the years, Martha has drawn strength from her extended family, friends, schoolmates, and a wide network of compassionate individuals who have rallied around her mission.
Together, they are creating lasting change for children with Cerebral Palsy and their families across Ghana.
Educational journey
Martha’s educational journey began at City of Kumasi Preparatory School and continued through Saint Hubert Seminary and Saint Louis Secondary School.
At one point, she aspired to become a nun.
From autobody repairs to disability advocate
However, inspired by her trailblazing mother—the first female arc welder at the then Kumasi City Council—and her father, a skilled mechanic at Suame Magazine, Martha chose a different path.
She pursued Autobody Repair studies at Kumasi Technical Institute (KTI) and later completed master craft and management training through the Ministry of Transport.
Though professionally trained in autobody repairs, she has since transitioned fully into disability advocacy.
Today, Martha is fully dedicated to supporting children with cerebral palsy.
Born from pain, built on purpose
Martha’s journey into this work began not from theory or textbooks, but from the lived experience of being a mother to a child with cerebral palsy.
She knows the weight of isolation, the confusion of diagnosis, and the agony of watching a society turn away from her child.
But rather than succumb to bitterness, Martha decided to build what she never had — a sanctuary for special needs children and their caregivers.
This journey gave her a profound understanding of the unique challenges that families face when caring for children with disabilities.
Witnessing her child’s struggles and triumphs inspired Martha to create a supportive community for other parents and caregivers of persons living with CP.
Through the foundation, she spreads awareness, provide resources, and foster inclusion—ensuring that special children receive the care and opportunities they deserve.
Driving change through advocacy, awareness, and action
The KSPC Foundation has made a significant impact in the Ashanti Region by focusing on several key initiatives, including awareness creation, advocacy, and fundraising efforts.
Through community outreach programmes on radio, the foundation actively educates the public about the challenges faced by children with special needs, helping to dispel myths and foster understanding.
In addition to raising awareness, KSPC advocates for better policies and resources for special needs children, working closely with local authorities and organizations to ensure these children receive the support they need.
Fundraising efforts have been instrumental in providing essential services such as therapy, educational resources, and medical assistance, directly benefiting families in the region.
Empowering parents and caregivers
Moreover, KSPC organizes workshops and events that not only support children but also empower parents and caregivers with knowledge and skills.
This holistic approach helps to create a nurturing environment where special children can thrive, making a lasting difference in their lives and the community at large.
Martha also initiated a daycare-like service at the foundation, allowing parents to drop off their children while they attend to work and return later to pick them up.
This has been a vital support system for many caregivers.
Humble beginnings and growth
In 2002, Martha established the foundation with a primary focus on media engagement and raising awareness through a health radio show hosted by Rev. Gabriel Ansah on Adom FM.
The programme reached thousands of homes, effectively disseminating vital messages and making a significant impact.
After relocating to Kumasi and acquiring a physical structure, Martha had the privilege of housing and caring for hundreds of special children—each a valued beneficiary of the foundation’s services.
32 kids enrolled
Currently, she is responsible for 32 kids, including 14 children living in-house and 18 who reside with their families while receiving regular medical attention and rehabilitation at the foundation.
Additionally, the Foundation is caring for four street children entrusted to them by the Social Welfare Department for their safety and well-being.
Financial and other challenges
Despite Martha’s deep sense of fulfillment when witnessing the joy and progress of the children supported by the KSPC Foundation, she faces ongoing challenges in securing consistent funding and a permanent residence for the organization.
These financial hurdles limit the scope of programmes and services the Foundation offers, making it difficult to sustain long-term initiatives.
She tirelessly seeks out grants, sponsorships, and donations, knowing that reliable funding is essential for expanding outreach and enhancing resources.
The lack of a stable facility poses further logistical challenges, as the Foundation currently operates from temporary locations.
Eviction notice
Martha is currently dealing with an eviction notice after being unable to pay the full amount for the seven-bedroom house housing the Foundation.
Tragically, harmful traditional beliefs persist in some communities, where children with CP—locally called nsuo mma (“water babies”)—are still sent to the “evil forest” and left to die.
A vision of inclusion and empowerment
Martha envisions a future where children with special needs are empowered to achieve independence through ongoing awareness and advocacy initiatives.
She believes that by continuously educating the community about the capabilities and rights of these children, society can foster an environment of inclusion and support.
Her goal is to equip special children with the tools and resources they need to thrive in education, social life, and employment through workshops, training programs, and community engagements.
Additionally, she emphasises the importance of advocacy at both local and national levels to push for policy changes that improve accessibility and resource availability.
Nomination and recognition of impact
Deborah Ofori Donkor, who nominated Martha for MTN Heroes of Change Season 7, expressed her admiration for the foundation’s work.
She said her goal was to ensure that the foundation received the support it needs, creating a ripple effect that would positively impact countless lives.
“What she is doing is truly selfless and deserves recognition. Not everyone possesses the ability to extend help to those in similar circumstances.
“This act of kindness not only changes others’ lives but also enriches her own experience,” Deborah said.
Deborah reflected on Martha’s initiatives, saying they inspire her to support the Foundation however possible.
“Her efforts are not just commendable—they transform lives and position her as a true positive change maker.
“Everyone should recognize such contributions and consider how they can promote this noble cause.”
“I perceive her as a remarkable individual—a strong and selfless woman whose qualities significantly impact those around her.
“Given her unwavering commitment to helping others, I am confident that many, especially her beneficiaries, also recognize and appreciate her,” she added.
Community endorsement and local support
Nana Yaa Mmua Baayie II, Kwabre Kenyasehemaa, described Martha as a “Mother Theresa on my land,” caring for very dependent children with cerebral palsy.
She highlighted the transformative impact of Martha’s awareness campaigns, which have reshaped the community’s perception of children with disabilities.
According to her, the community is now more informed about cerebral palsy, leading to greater understanding and acceptance.
She said families now send their previously secluded children to the center for essential care and physiotherapy.
“This initiative has deeply impacted not only the beneficiaries but the entire community.
“Families are learning to support and include these children, fostering a more compassionate environment,” she said.
Confronting dangerous traditions
Emelia Sandra Ashiagbor, a retired teacher and former Head of Assessment at the Ashanti School for the Deaf, shared disturbing stories of children nearly lost to harmful beliefs.
She recounted how one mother, under the guise of seeking medical care, took her child from the Foundation to be sacrificed to marine spirits.
Despite Martha’s efforts to intervene, the family went through with the act.
In another case, Emelia described how a nine-year-old boy was nearly sacrificed due to beliefs about possession by spirits.
“Fortunately, the ritual was halted because the priests claimed the boy’s spirit was too strong.
“The boy was returned to Martha, who cared for him until his parents, after counseling, took him back and now live happily together,” she said.
Stories of lives touched
Sylvestina Wilson, a 71-year-old single mother of Pearl Ampadu Boateng, said Martha is “an angel” and described her as selfless and kind.
“Her support saved me from ruin. Without her, I don’t know what our lives would have become. She stepped in when my daughter’s father abandoned us,” she said.
Sylvestina shared the emotional story of how she battled illness during pregnancy and later discovered her daughter had symptoms of CP.
“I lost all my savings and job. I resorted to things I’m not proud of just to care for my special child,” she added.
Mary Antwi, mother of 22-year-old John Osei Bonsu, said Martha opened her doors when others turned away her son.
“My husband rejected our son, claiming he was cursed. I was almost convinced to abandon my child. Thanks to Martha, I found support,” she said.
Mary added that her son finds joy at the foundation and receives much-needed social interaction while she attends to work.
“Life was tough after his teacher left school. He was bullied and dropped out. But here, he has a home,” she shared.
The assistant secretary who found his calling
Solomon Evans, a 29-year-old person living with CP and now the Assistant Secretary of the KSPC Foundation, said he felt a divine connection the first time he met Martha while helping her with the foundation’s website.
“Her compassion and dedication struck me deeply. From that moment, I knew we shared the same vision—to help people like me,” Solomon said.
Martha continues to strengthen her capacity through online caregiving courses, reaffirming her unwavering commitment to inclusion, support, and hope for every child with special needs.
