The Ghana Police Service has launched an investigation into a viral video showing a man allegedly giving a substance believed to be a cigarette to a child.
According to the police, every effort is being made to identify and arrest the suspect involved and to ensure that the child is safe and protected.
They also urged 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.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection has condemned the act and cautioned parents, guardians, caregivers, and the public to uphold their collective responsibility in protecting children and young people from harm.
In a press statement dated Friday, November 21, the Ministry described the incident as a clear case of child endangerment, noting that exposing children to harmful substances is both abusive and a violation of the child’s rights and dignity. The statement emphasized that such conduct is punishable under the law.
According to the Ministry, the act contravenes the Children’s Act, 1998 (Act 560), which mandates the protection of every child from physical, psychological, and moral harm. It also undermines objectives in the Early Childhood Care and Development Policy, which promotes the holistic development of children in safe and nurturing environments.
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