The Cape Coast Metropolitan Assembly has launched an aggressive campaign to clamp down on child delinquency and curb rising social vices among the youth in the metropolis.
As part of new measures announced by the Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE), George Justice Arthur, any child found roaming the streets of Cape Coast unaccompanied after 9 p.m. will be arrested and taken to the police station, with their parents subsequently made to face the full rigours of the law.
Mr Arthur, who was addressing the First Ordinary Meeting of the Second Session of the Ninth Assembly in Cape Coast last Tuesday, expressed grave concern over the growing incidence of anti-social behaviour among schoolchildren and warned that the situation was a ticking time bomb for the metropolis if not immediately addressed.
“I want to assure you that in the coming days, intensive sensitisation will be done to caution parents against it.
Any child below the age of 18 years found outside after 9pm, after the sensitisation exercise, would be arrested and taken to the police station. Parents of such children will face the full rigours of the law,” the MCE stated.
To reinforce the policy and tackle the root of the problem, Mr Arthur also announced that all ghettos—hotspots of drug use and juvenile crime—within the metropolis would be demolished.
He explained that the move forms part of a larger effort by the assembly to create a safe and morally upright environment, particularly for young people and schoolchildren.
“You may all agree with me that in this metropolis, some children roam at odd hours into the night without the escort of an adult, a practice that has the tendency of jeopardising their future.
Other children are also engaged in drug or substance abuse, a trend which is unacceptable, given the consequences it has on them,” he said.
Reputation
The announcement comes at a time when Cape Coast, despite its reputation as the country’s cradle of education, is grappling with rising juvenile incidents of truancy, substance abuse and street loitering, especially at major commercial and transport centres such as Kotokuraba.
Mr Arthur’s statement also emphasised that streetlights had been distributed to schools such as the Cape Coast School for the Deaf and Blind and Effutu SHS to help enhance safety and prevent crime on campuses.
He hinted at further collaborations with stakeholders in education, security and social welfare to deepen protection for children and promote discipline among students.
Other sectors
Mr Arthur highlighted that the Cape Coast Metropolitan Assembly was intensifying development efforts across multiple sectors to transform the city. He revealed that sanitation has been prioritised through inspections, prosecutions, fumigation and cholera prevention campaigns.
He mentioned his eight-year Development Plan (2026–2033) being prepared with stakeholder input to attract international support.
He said the assembly was also preparing for the country’s 24-hour economy by keeping castles and forts open round-the-clock and constructing a new night market at Adisadel.
In road infrastructure, he said over 20 roads were being rehabilitated, footbridges constructed and dilapidated buildings demolished.
On education, the MCE emphasised strengthening basic education, supplying school streetlights and engaging school heads.
The health sector saw expanded NHIS coverage, cholera vaccination and hospital rehabilitation pledges.
The assembly settled over 170 child welfare cases and supported 70 PWDs with training and resources. Legal victories were chalked up, including the dismissal of a GH¢23,000 suit.
Mr Arthur also mentioned that markets were reorganised to improve revenue, while Pragya riders now face stricter rules.
He said disaster relief efforts followed recent storms, and beachfront facilities were being regulated and international partnerships in China, Germany and the U.S. are also expected to boost tourism, climate resilience and investment.
