The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP) has reported to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) a viral video in which several adults are seen pressuring a young child to smoke.
In a statement released on Friday, November 21, the Ministry strongly condemned the incident, describing it as clear child abuse and a violation of the child’s rights. It said forcing or encouraging a child to engage in harmful behaviour is unlawful and undermines their safety and wellbeing.
According to the Ministry, the act breaches provisions in the Children’s Act, 1998 (Act 560), which requires that every child be protected from physical, emotional, and moral harm. It also goes against the goals of the Early Childhood Care and Development Policy, which calls for secure and supportive environments for all children.
MoGCSP urged parents, guardians, and community members to take their duty of care seriously. It also called on the police to take prompt action to identify and prosecute those responsible for the incident.
The Ministry further encouraged families, traditional leaders, faith-based groups, and civil society organisations to step up efforts to prevent violence and safeguard vulnerable individuals, especially children and women, as Ghana observes the concluding phase of the global 16 Days of Activism against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence.
“It is the shared responsibility of all to uphold the dignity and rights of every child,” the statement affirmed.
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