Entertainment is supposed to provide relaxation, creativity and enjoyment, but concerns are increasingly emerging over the growing visibility of substance use, particularly smoking, at public entertainment events in Ghana.
What is even more worrying is the apparent participation of very young people in such activities, sometimes in full view of adults and security personnel.
For many people who grew up in an earlier generation, going out after 9 p.m. was largely considered unacceptable for children and young teenagers. Parents and guardians were often strict about the time their children returned home, particularly when they were attending social gatherings.
Today, however, the situation appears to have changed significantly. It is not unusual to see children and young teenagers, including those as young as nine, 10 and 11 years, attending entertainment programmes that run well into the night.
While the changing nature of society and entertainment may partly explain this development, the bigger concern should not simply be how late children stay outside. The more disturbing issue is the exposure of minors to smoking and other forms of substance use at public events.
At some entertainment gatherings, smoking appears to have become almost part of the atmosphere, with some young attendees openly using substances in the presence of other patrons. In some instances, the behaviour can give the impression that smoking is a form of competition or a symbol of belonging among young people.
A recent entertainment event in Ho involving a popular Ghanaian dancehall artiste provided another uncomfortable reminder of the challenge. Some younger attendees were reportedly seen openly smoking at the event, raising questions about how effectively children and young teenagers are being protected at entertainment venues.
The situation also raises questions about the responsibility of event organisers, parents, guardians, security personnel and relevant state institutions. Security officers may be deployed to prevent violence, control crowds and maintain order, but their ability to stop substance use can be limited when large numbers of patrons are involved.
More importantly, children should not be left to navigate such environments without adequate protection and supervision.
The concern is not an argument against entertainment or the freedom of young people to enjoy music and social activities. Rather, it is a call for responsible entertainment that recognises that children are also part of the audience and therefore deserve special protection.
Event organisers should consider stronger measures to prevent minors from being exposed to or participating in substance use at entertainment programmes. Age restrictions, clearly designated smoking areas, stronger security checks, adequate lighting, parental guidance and closer collaboration with law enforcement and child-protection agencies could form part of a broader response.
There is also a need for public education. Parents and guardians cannot transfer the entire responsibility for children’s welfare to event organisers or security personnel. They must know where their children are going, who they are going with, when they are expected to return and the kind of environment in which they will be spending their time.
Regulatory authorities should equally examine whether existing laws and enforcement mechanisms are adequate to protect minors at public entertainment events. Where necessary, clearer regulations could be developed to restrict smoking and other substance use in areas accessible to children and to hold organisers accountable where serious breaches occur.
The entertainment industry also has a responsibility to recognise its influence on young people. Popular musicians and other public figures command enormous attention among Ghana’s youth. Their platforms can therefore be used not only to entertain but also to promote responsible behaviour and discourage substance abuse among minors.
Ghana’s young people represent the country’s future. Allowing them to grow up in environments where harmful substance use is normalised or presented as part of entertainment could have consequences that extend far beyond a single concert or social gathering.
The question Ghana must therefore ask is not whether young people should be allowed to have fun, but what kind of environment are we creating for them while they have that fun?
Entertainment should inspire talent, creativity and positive social interaction. It should not become a contest over who can smoke more, drink more or engage in the most dangerous behaviour.
Protecting children requires a collective effort. Parents, event organisers, artistes, security agencies, regulators and society as a whole must recognise that today’s children are tomorrow’s leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs and decision-makers.
Their future deserves more than entertainment without responsibility.
By: Kwame Orlando Daniel/newsalertgh.com
