Gender Ministry Reports Viral Video of Child Being Forced to Smoke to Police
Ministry urges police to act swiftly while calling on families and communities to protect children from harm
- Gender Ministry reports viral video of child being forced to smoke to the police
- Incident described as child endangerment and violation of the Children’s Act
- Ministry urges swift prosecution and calls on families and stakeholders to protect children
The Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection (MoGCSP) has reported a disturbing video circulating on social media, showing men forcing a young child to smoke, to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service for urgent investigation and action.
In a statement on Friday, November 21, the Ministry condemned the incident as a clear case of child endangerment, emphasizing that exposing children to harmful substances is abusive and a violation of their rights and dignity, punishable under Ghanaian law.
The Ministry noted that the act violates the Children’s Act, 1998 (Act 560), which protects children from physical, psychological, and moral harm. It also contradicts the goals of the Early Childhood Care and Development Policy, which seeks to ensure children grow in safe and nurturing environments.
MoGCSP called on parents, guardians, caregivers, and the public to uphold their responsibility in safeguarding children, urging the police to expedite the arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators.
The Ministry further appealed to families, traditional authorities, religious leaders, and civil society organizations to strengthen efforts to prevent violence and protect vulnerable groups, especially children and women, as the 16 Days of Activism against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence comes to a close.
“We must all remember that protecting the rights and dignity of children is a shared responsibility,” the Ministry stated.
