The Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection has condemned a disturbing video circulating on social media in which a young child is seen being forced by a group of men to smoke a cigarette.
In its official statement, the Ministry described the act as “abusive” and “a clear violation of the child’s rights and dignity.”
According to the Ministry, exposing a child to harmful substances constitutes child endangerment and directly contravenes the Children’s Act, 1998 (Act 560).
“Every child must be protected from exposure to physical, psychological, and moral harm,” the statement read, adding that such acts undermine national policies designed to ensure the holistic development and protection of children.
The Minister for Gender, Children, and Social Protection confirmed that the video has already been forwarded to the Criminal Investigations Department of the Ghana Police Service.
“We urge the police to expedite actions to arrest and prosecute the perpetrators,” the Ministry said.
The statement further called on families, caregivers, traditional leaders, religious authorities, and civil society groups to intensify efforts to prevent violence against children.
“This incident reminds us of the urgent need to protect children from all forms of abuse and harmful practices,” the Ministry emphasized.
In closing, the Ministry appealed to the public: “We must all bear in mind that protecting the rights and dignity of children is a collective responsibility.”
