The Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection (MoGCSP) has referred to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) a disturbing viral video showing a group of men coercing a young child to smoke a cigarette.
In a statement issued on Friday, November 21, the Ministry condemned the act as blatant child endangerment, emphasizing that exposing a child to harmful substances constitutes abuse and violates the child’s rights and dignity under Ghanaian law.
The Ministry noted that the incident breaches the Children’s Act, 1998 (Act 560), which mandates the protection of every child from physical, psychological, and moral harm. It also contradicts the objectives of the Early Childhood Care and Development Policy, which promotes safe and nurturing environments for children.
The Ministry urged parents, guardians, caregivers, and the public to take their responsibility to safeguard children seriously and called on the police to swiftly arrest and prosecute all those involved.
Beyond the referral to law enforcement, the Ministry encouraged families, traditional authorities, religious bodies, and civil society groups to intensify efforts to prevent violence and protect vulnerable groups, particularly children and women, as the country marks the final phase of the global 16 Days of Activism against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence.
“The protection of children’s rights and dignity is a collective duty,” the statement stressed.
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