The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP) has condemned a disturbing viral video in which a group of men are seen forcing a child to smoke cigarette.
In a statement issued on November 21, the Ministry described the act as abusive, unlawful, and a blatant violation of the child’s rights and dignity.
According to the Ministry, exposing a child to harmful substances constitutes child endangerment and contravenes provisions of the Children’s Act, 1998 (Act 560), which guarantees every child protection from physical, psychological, and moral harm.
Such actions also undermine national efforts under the Early Childhood Care and Development Policy aimed at ensuring safe and nurturing environments for children.
The Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection has since referred the video to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service for immediate investigation and prosecution of the perpetrators.
The Ministry further urged parents, guardians, and members of the public to uphold their responsibility to protect children from all forms of abuse.
With the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence drawing to a close, the Ministry called on traditional authorities, religious institutions, civil society groups, and the general public to intensify efforts to safeguard vulnerable groups, particularly women and children.
