The Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection has initiated a police investigation following the circulation of a disturbing video showing a group of men forcing a young child to smoke a cigarette.
The footage captured the men laughing as they pressured the visibly confused child to inhale the substance, sparking public outrage and calls for swift punishment.
According to the Ministry, exposing a child to harmful substances constitutes child endangerment and violates the Children’s Act, 1998 (Act 560), which mandates the protection of all children from physical, psychological, and moral harm.
The act also contravenes national policies that promote safe and nurturing environments for children.
The Gender Ministry has forwarded the video to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service, with authorities expected to identify and arrest those involved.
The incident comes as Ghana and the global community mark the final days of the annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. The Ministry emphasized that the video underscores the urgent need to protect children from all forms of abuse.
Police investigations are ongoing.
