Craniofacial malformations are a significant issue in Ghana. Cleft lips and cleft palates are the most frequent of these congenital defects and occur in approximately in 1 per 500-700 births in Ghana. Craniofacial malformations not only represent a serious medical condition, but also cause great emotional distress, social stigmatization and ostracism. However, if effectively treated with surgical intervention, followed by appropriate nutritional, dental, speech and behavioral support where needed, most of these malformations can be corrected, providing the patient with a normal appearance and life.
Clinical resources for the treatment of craniofacial malformations are scarce in Ghana, mainly due to lack of economic resources, extremely limited numbers of trained experts
in the country and minimal access to specialized care.