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Gender Ministry condemns viral video of child forced to smoke; reports case to police.

The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP) has condemned a disturbing viral video in which a group of men are seen forcing a child to smoke cigarette.

In a statement issued on Friday, November 21, the Ministry described the act as “abusive and a clear violation of the child’s rights and dignity.”

According to the Ministry, the conduct by the men is punishable by law and contravenes provisions of the Children’s Act, 1998 (Act 560), which mandates every child protection from physical, psychological, and moral harm.

Such actions also undermines key objectives in the Early Childhood Care and Development Policy aimed at ensuring safe and nurturing environments for children.

The Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection has since referred the video to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service for immediate investigation and prosecution of the perpetrators.

The Ministry further urged parents, guardians, and members of the public to uphold their responsibility to protect children from all forms of abuse.

With the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence drawing to a close, the Ministry called on traditional authorities, religious institutions, civil society groups, and the general public to intensify efforts to safeguard vulnerable groups, particularly women and children.