The diminishing provision of services by the state, compelled with the escalating numbers of orphans and vulnerable children in Ghana, represent a crucial concern for both national and international organizations. In spite of this, little cross-sectional and longitudinal studies have been conducted to empirically identify the challenges faced by orphanages and homes. Using a qualitative case study approach, we investigated the challenges facing a state-owned orphanage in Ghana. Data for the study was collected through the use of a structured interview guide. Five key informant interview sessions were organized for 2 care givers, 2 social workers and 1 medical officer to socialite for their views on the challenges facing the Home. The data collected was analyzed using the Nvivo 7 software programme and organized under themes which reflected the objectives of the study. Inadequate and late delivery of funds, lack of security measures to protect the safety of the children, lack of a health facility to address the health needs of children and caretakers, inadequate funds to cater for educational needs of the children and the non-existence of a plan for children who leave the home were identified as the challenges facing the orphanage. The complexity of these challenges often exceeded the capacity of the home to effectively mitigate. The study results also revealed that in spite of these challenges, there is continued willingness by the orphanage to absorb more orphans and caretakers, particularly care mothers to continue caring for the children as they derived great satisfaction from offering the care.

Keywords: Challenges, State Custodianship, Orphans, Institutional Care, Ghana.