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Our Vision and Philosophy
We believe in the impact of empowerment through positive role models based on love, respect, compassion and care.
We, the members of THE SIX FREEDOMS, are committed to promoting the welfare, protection, and humane treatment of animals, with a special focus on horses. As an organization dedicated to safeguarding animal rights across Ghana with a focus on greater Accra, we strive to ensure that horses are treated with dignity, compassion, and respect.
Horses are some of the most sensitive flight animals – they can mirror the emotions of humans and have been successfully used in healing of trauma. We want to use their knowledge for our research and find new perspectives on leadership, trust based connection and healing of trauma.
We collaborate with professionals related to animals, humans and environmental sectors, based on the ONE HEALTH principle and our ethics, to be found in our policies. Dedicated to the Welfare of Domesticated Horses in Ghana and Beyond based on the fulfillment of the Five Freedoms of Animals as recognized by the World Organization for Animal Health. Our close collaboration with other CSO enables us to support vulnerable individuals and community, especially survivors, the youth and children.
THE SIX FREEDOMS
This sixth freedom addresses the philosophical arguments put forth by thinkers like: Tom Regan, Peter Singer, Martha Nussbaum, Alasdair MacIntyre and Regina E. F. David
Grounded on the ethical principles of five freedoms for animals established by the Farm Animal Welfare Council.
One Health
Our holistic approach emphasizes One Health, recognizing the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. We advocate for a mindset that treats animals as partners, fostering compassion and mutual respect rather than ownership. We believe this perspective not only benefits animals but also enhances human well-being and social cohesion, addressing some of the systemic issues that perpetuate violence within society.
“Animals have a right to be treated with respect and dignity, not as mere property or resources for human use.”
Regan, Tom (1983).
The Problem we are facing
The problem we are facing in Ghana highlights a systemic gap in welfare and resource management. Historical changes have left both horses and their caretakers in precarious conditions, with limited infrastructure and support. Addressing these challenges requires a pragmatic approach to ensure sustainable welfare for both animals and the communities that depend on them.
- The demolition of racecourse infrastructure for luxurious hotel projects left horses and their caretakers without proper stables or racing facilities, leading to uncertainty and homelessness for some grooms.
- Promises to construct new racecourses have not been fulfilled, resulting in incomplete facilities and inadequate provisions for the horses.
- Economic hardship forces grooms to take horses to beaches for rides to earn daily income, indicating a lack of stable employment and financial resources.
- Grooms live in precarious conditions with insufficient housing and unstable employment, heavily relying on the horses for income while horse owners often avoid responsibility for the animals’ long-term care.
- Horses are often overworked and poorly cared for on Accra’s beaches due to the limited resources available to their caretakers, affecting both the animals’ and the caretakers’ welfare.
- The combination of neglect, poor living conditions, and limited resources creates a challenging environment for both horses and those who care for them, emphasizing the need for improved welfare measures for both animals and humans in this sector.
Objectives and achievements
We believe in the impact of empowerment through positive role models based on love, respect, compassion and care.
We, the members of THE SIX FREEDOMS, are committed to promoting the welfare, protection, and humane treatment of animals, with a special focus on horses. As an organization dedicated to safeguarding animal rights across Ghana with a focus on greater Accra, we strive to ensure that horses are treated with dignity, compassion, and respect.
We collaborate with professionals related to animals, humans and environmental sectors, based on the ONE HEALTH principle and our ethics, to be found in our policies.
Dedicated to the Welfare of Domesticated Horses in Ghana and Beyond based on the fulfillment of the Five Freedoms of Animals as recognized by the World Organization for Animal Health.
Our close collaboration with other CSO enables us to support vulnerable individuals and community, especially survivors, the youth and children.
We focus on horses in Greater Accra and collaborate across disciplines with other professionals on human and animal care and encourage networking and knowledge sharing on ONE HEALTH.
Anykind of Support would make the difference
For more Information visit our Partner Organisation – Animal Kind International – or our Instagram Page @thesixfreedoms If you want to support us click below
Plans for the future
THE SIX FREEDOMS envisions a future where neglected and abused horses, children, and survivors of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) thrive together in a sanctuary of healing and empowerment. By fostering deep, transformative connections between humans and horses, we aim to create non-judgmental spaces that promote resilience, self-discovery, and personal growth.
Our approach integrates the holistic One Health philosophy, recognizing the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental well-being. We challenge societal norms by advocating for the recognition of animals not as property, but as partners in mutual respect and empathy-filled relationships. We aspire to establish a vivid and spacious sanctuary and training center, where individuals learn to live with animals as partners, fostering an ethos of compassion and collaboration. Here, horses and humans can heal, rebuild self-esteem, and find strength to envision a life filled with freedom and possibility. Through these transformative practices,
THE SIX FREEDOMS aims to cultivate a community of belonging, dignity, and hope, empowering individuals to reclaim their agency and embrace a brighter future.
We are looking forward reaching sponsors to set up our one holistic care center as a safe space for humans and to kick start empowerment training with horses for children and the youth.
With our established and consistently growing network of professionals, we seek to really change the situation of horses and People for the better. , raising awareness for the importance of TRUST AND CARE, based on our philosophy of the SIX FREEDOMS and ONE HEALTH.
If you are interested on the background of THE SIX FREEDOMS, researches and various art projects you can visit my personal Site: www.ulladeventer.com
Ulla Deventer: Founder and Coordinator, Visual Artist, PhD candidate at KNUST
Recent Updates
Dec 2024
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November 2024
For the CARE Team kick off, we are starting with a survey of the main horse stables around Greater Accra, with a focus on the beach areas and smaller stables with little means. In exchange with Veterinarians Dr Enoch and Dr Tetteh in Accra, we decided that we need some data, before we do an official launch of our prevention project for that we want to invite the horse owners.
Miriam Yentumi, horse passionate and in Ghana over many years with engagement in the local horse community and horse groom Moses do the surveys around Accras beaches. The survey is a questionnaire on the horses condition as well as on the needs of the horses and grooms. Based on these data, we will create a platform for exchange and do regular stable visits to prevent emergencies. We are confident to have a great official launch very soon!
Picture up: Abdul-Fatawu Alhassan (photo below, yellow shirt) and Emmanuel Oteng (green shirt), groom Edward Yeboah, jockey Alex Owuso (blue shirt), and T6F director, Ulla.
Below: A mare in her shelter at the LaBadi beach road, November 12rd, 2024. Photo by Miriam Yentumi.
October 2024
Kick off Care Team
The Six Freedoms-Ghana kicked off their Horse Care Teams with vets Abdul-Fatawu Alhassan (photo below, yellow shirt) and Emmanuel Oteng (green shirt), groom Edward Yeboah, jockey Alex Owuso (blue shirt), and T6F director, Ulla. The Horse Care Teams will be a real game changer for Ghana’s horses. Thanks to T6F, Ghana’s veterinary sector now has a good understanding of the issues at the informal stables in Accra (and beyond) and several vets are ready to get involved with the teams. Each team will be comprised of a vet, a groom, a student (vet or similar), and Ulla or another T6F representative.
The plan for the Care Teams is 1) prevention: preventing emergencies and having a caring eye on the main Accra stables (instead of taking last minute action in emergencies); 2) information sharing: to encourage horse people to exchange their knowledge, apply new methods, and report early, if they see a neglected horse; and 3) to change mindsets to become more caring and compassionate towards their horses and [human] team members. We’ve written extensively of the cruelty and neglect shown to horses in Ghana (see the AKI Blog posts on that page), and we’re grateful and excited to support this initiative which promises to help MANY neglected, abused horses!
From the Animal Kind Newsletter, written by the Director Karen Menczer.