The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP) has strongly condemned a disturbing video circulating on social media in which a young child is seen being coerced by a group of men to smoke a cigarette. The Ministry describes the act as abusive, degrading, and a clear violation of the child’s rights.
According to MoGCSP, exposing children to harmful substances amounts to child endangerment and is punishable under Ghanaian law. The Ministry referenced the Children’s Act, 1998 (Act 560), which mandates full protection for children from physical, psychological, and moral harm. Such acts, it said, also undermine the Early Childhood Care and Development Policy, which emphasizes the nurturing and holistic development of every child.
In response, the Minister for Gender, Children, and Social Protection has formally referred the case to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service for immediate action. The Ministry is urging the police to expedite investigations and bring the perpetrators to justice.
With the country marking the 16 Days of Activism Against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, the Ministry is calling on all stakeholders—families, caregivers, traditional authorities, religious groups, and civil society organizations—to intensify efforts to prevent violence and protect vulnerable groups, especially children.
The Ministry stressed that this incident serves as a powerful reminder of the urgent need for society to shield children from abuse, exploitation, and harmful practices. It urged parents and caregivers to remain vigilant and prioritize the safety and wellbeing of children at all times.
MoGCSP emphasized that safeguarding the rights and dignity of children is a shared national responsibility and called on the public to report cases of abuse promptly to the appropriate authorities.
