The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP) has strongly condemned a viral video depicting the abuse of a child and has referred the case to the police for criminal investigation.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Ministry described the footage, which shows a group of men forcing a child to smoke a cigarette, as “abusive, unlawful, and a blatant violation of the child’s rights and dignity.”
The Ministry stated that the act constitutes a clear breach of the Children’s Act, 1998 (Act 560), which guarantees every child protection from physical, psychological, and moral harm.
“Exposing children to harmful substances constitutes child endangerment and is punishable by law,” the Ministry affirmed in its release.
Furthermore, the Ministry emphasized that such actions undermine national efforts, including the Early Childhood Care and Development Policy, which are designed to ensure safe and nurturing environments for children.
In response, the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection has formally referred the video to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service to ensure the immediate investigation and prosecution of the perpetrators.
The Ministry also issued a public appeal, urging parents, guardians, and community members to uphold their fundamental responsibility to protect children from all forms of abuse.
The condemnation comes as the global “16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence” campaign draws to a close. The Ministry used the occasion to call on traditional authorities, religious institutions, and civil society to intensify efforts to safeguard vulnerable groups, particularly women and children.