GENDER MINISTRY DEMANDS ARREST IN VIRAL CHILD ABUSE VIDEO, CONDEMNS ACT AS CRIMINAL VIOLATION

The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection has issued a strong condemnation of a viral social media video depicting the gross abuse of a child and has called for the immediate arrest of the perpetrators involved.

In an official statement, the Ministry described the video, which shows several men forcing a young boy to smoke a cigarette, as “abusive and a clear violation of the child’s rights and dignity.” It emphasized that exposing a child to harmful substances is a criminal act of child endangerment punishable under Ghanaian law.

The Ministry confirmed it has taken swift action, forwarding the footage to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service. It has publicly urged the police to “expedite actions to arrest and prosecute the perpetrators.”

According to the Ministry, the incident constitutes a direct breach of the Children’s Act, 1998 (Act 560), which mandates the protection of every child from physical, psychological, and moral harm. The act also undermines the principles of Ghana’s Early Childhood Care and Development Policy, designed to ensure children grow up in safe and nurturing environments.

The statement served as a stern caution to parents, guardians, and the general public, reminding them of their collective responsibility to protect children from harm.

The condemnation comes as Ghana approaches the climax of the global 16 Days of Activism Against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, with the Ministry calling on families, traditional authorities, religious leaders, and civil society to intensify efforts to safeguard vulnerable children and prevent all forms of abuse.

The public is encouraged to report any instances of child abuse to the authorities. This is a developing story, and updates will be provided as the police investigation progresses.

Read the full statement below

Source:NKONKONSA.com