Panhandling, A Nuisance To Ghanaians

Panhandling, which is taking a different trend has become prevalent in the streets of Kumasi and its environs.

Some individuals placing themselves under Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) are seen speaking in speakers on the streets displaying sick children on the side with the idea of seeking alms for treatment of the children from commuters.

The act of begging prohibited by law in Ghana but the act seems not to be ending soon or later.

In an interview with Kumasi residents, they expressed concerns about the act of street begging or panhandling describing the scene as a nuisance to citizens and even the nation.

Some shared their views that the monies meant for the treatment of the patients are at times used for a different purpose.

It was also disclosed that the scene has become more of a business plan for some so-called NGOs and individuals who claim to seek for alms for the sick.

A resident identified that, “a particular child with a tube connected through his stomach is stationed around the Kumasi City Mall and has been there for the past few weeks begging for alms, the scene is worrying and disturbing. I see it as a business opportunity because if you really are in need of alms you don’t make it a daily occurrence. Their daily words of “ketewa biara nsua” contribute to too much noise in town.”

Another person expressed that, the situation where sick children are stationed on the streets displaying their wounds creates an unhealthy site for passers-by.

“You see when visitors come into the country and they observe such acts, an unpleasant idea of Ghana is relayed which is a disgrace, we don’t see things like this in other countries. I am very much against the act, it’s disturbing and unhelpful,” another man stated.

“The manner in which monies are being begged for is disturbing. The government has to do something about it. They don’t have to come with the sick persons who at times have some tubes connected through their stomach displaying their wounds on the streets, the situation is unpleasant,” a woman said.

Another added, “if these monies are really meant for the treatment of the vulnerable then I have no problem, but the thing is most of it isn’t used for the intended purpose rather use the occasion as a business entity and that is my worry. Some even use children from their vicinity as actors to help them beg for money.”

Ghanaians called on the government to intervene in the act of street begging which has become prevalent in the township of Kumasi and its environs, the government is being urged to extend a helping hand to the vulnerable or introduce proper measures and means to handle the situation.

Source: Opemsuo.com/ Monica M. Appiah-Manu