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The Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection (MoGCSP) has issued a strong condemnation following the emergence of a disturbing video on social media showing a group of men forcing a young child to smoke a cigarette.
In a statement released by ministry, it described the conduct as abusive and a clear violation of the child’s rights and dignity, stating that “exposing children to harmful substances constitutes child endangerment” and is punishable by law.
The ministry emphasised that the act contravenes the Children’s Act, 1998 (Act 560), which mandates the protection of every child from exposure to physical, psychological and moral harm. It also undermines key objectives of Ghana’s Early Childhood Care and Development Policy.
The Minister for Gender, Children, and Social Protection has forwarded the video to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service for immediate action, urging the police to “expedite actions to arrest and prosecute the perpetrators”.
The ministry also cautioned parents, guardians, caregivers and the general public on their collective responsibility to protect and safeguard the development of children and young people.
The incident coincides with the ongoing 16 Days of Activism against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, with the ministry using the occasion to call on all stakeholders, including families, traditional authorities, religious leaders and civil society organisations, to intensify efforts to protect children.
Issued by the Public Affairs Unit of the ministry, the statement serves as a reminder of the urgent need to protect children from all forms of abuse and harmful practices.
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