The Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection has taken decisive action after a disturbing video surfaced showing a man forcing a child to smoke what appeared to be a cigarette.
The Ministry referred the matter to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service, describing the incident as a grave violation of the rights and dignity of the child involved. It stressed that exposing a child to such harmful substances “constitutes abuse under Ghanaian law and breaches the protective principles of the Children’s Act, 1998.”
The Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, described the video as a serious case of child endangerment, emphasising the clear legal implications under Act 560, stating that the act undermines national efforts to protect children from physical, psychological, and moral harm.
The Ministry explained that such conduct goes against the objectives of the Early Childhood Care and Development Policy, which promotes safe environments crucial for the growth and wellbeing of Ghanaian children.
“We must all bear in mind that protecting the rights and dignity of children is a collective responsibility that requires the commitment of everyone”
Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, Minister of Gender, Children, and Social Protection
The Minister called on parents, guardians, caregivers, and the broader public to demonstrate vigilance and responsibility by shielding children from any danger, especially as the annual campaign against sexual and gender-based violence nears its end.
Police Launch Probe
The Ghana Police Service, in a separate communication, confirmed that an investigation had commenced to identify the man and rescue the child involved, assuring that every effort is underway to locate the suspect and ensure the child’s protection.
“We urge members of the public who have any information regarding the identity or whereabouts of the man or the child to report to the nearest Police Station,” the police added, appealing to anyone with relevant information to step forward to support the investigation.
This collaboration between the Gender Ministry and the Police reflects a coordinated institutional response aimed at ensuring the swift apprehension of the perpetrator and the safeguarding of the victim.
The referral of the case to the CID underscores the seriousness with which the state treats violations of children’s rights. The Children’s Act obliges all institutions and individuals to protect minors from abuses that may harm their physical or psychological health.
The clear message from authorities is that actions exposing children to risk will be met with legal consequences as the Ministry further highlighted that the incident undermines ongoing national policies meant to secure children’s welfare.
Dr. Lartey explained that exposing a child to harmful substances violates not only legal standards but society’s moral obligations. She reiterated the need for families, community leaders, civil society groups, and religious institutions to remain active in preventing such abuses.
This call for collective vigilance comes at a time when the country continues to address persistent challenges of child exploitation and neglect.
Beyond law enforcement action, the Ministry placed strong emphasis on the role of the community, insisting that parents and guardians must remain alert and protective, especially as children are increasingly exposed to harmful influences through digital platforms.
Public reaction to the video has been strong, with many calling for immediate justice. For many observers, the state’s prompt engagement reflects a renewed determination to protect vulnerable citizens through coordinated institutional action.
With investigations ongoing, the public awaits further updates as authorities work to trace the suspect and secure the safety of the child. This case has reinforced national conversations about parenting responsibility, community vigilance, and the need for robust enforcement of child protection laws.
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