primary carer of british kids

I am a mother to 2 British kids but they were born in Ghana. They have British passport but they live with me in Ghana. The kids gained their passport through their Dad. Their dad is a British but after their dad applied the passport for them the kids and I have not heard from the dad again is almost 2 years now. we don't know where the dad is and everything is on me now.
please I need an advice. can I apply as a primary carer of British kids leaving outside uk. thanks

It's a Catch 22 - the kids have to be in the UK. But you couldn't be with them on a visitor visa (as you cannot switch from a visitor visa to any other visa). But if they are being cared for by others while you apply, you can't be the primary caregiver... so it's a difficult/ impossible (?) situation to resolve...

I've only seen one entry clearance granted for a similar situation (accessing parental rights granted outside the UK).

I am the mother and i am the one looking after them. They are twins 2 girls.