Operation Smile transforms lives with free corrective surgeries for children with cleft palate

Forty-five children in Ghana received free corrective surgeries recently. This was part of a nine-day medical initiative.

The surgeries were done through a three-year partnership. The Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital worked with the Operation Smile team. These procedures improved speech and well-being for children with cleft palates.

Cleft palate is a birth defect. It creates an opening in the roof of the mouth. This condition affects speech, eating, and overall health.

Dr. Opoku-Ware Ampomah leads the National Plastic Reconstructive Unit. He noted the significant impact of these surgeries.

“These surgeries do more than fix physical issues,” he said. “They restore confidence and offer a chance at a normal life.”

He hopes such partnerships will improve local healthcare facilities. Training Ghanaian surgeons is also a priority for future independence.

“Our goal is to build capacity within our healthcare system,” he added. “We want these life-changing procedures to be available locally, year-round.”

For many parents, Operation Smile's annual visit brings hope. They look forward to life-changing procedures for their children. These surgeries help kids speak, eat, and engage without barriers.