Gender Ministry Demands Arrest After Child Was Forced to Smoke in Viral Video
The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP) has sought the urgent intervention of the Criminal Investigation Department of the Ghana Police Service in the arrest of some individuals captured in a viral video forcing a child to smoke a cigarette.
It described the video as “disturbing”
In a statement, it said exposing children to harmful substances constitutes child endangerment.
“This conduct is abusive and a clear violation of the child’s rights and dignity, and it is punishable by law.”
“It contravenes the Children’s Act, 1998 (Act 560), which mandates that every child should be protected from exposure to physical, psychological, and moral harm. It also undermines key objectives in the Early Childhood Care and Development Policy, which promotes holistic child development and protection in safe and nurturing environments.”
It has since forwarded the video to the CID for immediate action, urging expedited action to arrest and prosecute the perpetrators.
The viral video portrayed a group of men forcing a young child to smoke a cigarette.
Story by Hajara Fuseini
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