The Ghana Police Service has arrested a man captured in a viral video forcing a young child to smoke what appears to be a cigarette.

The suspect, identified as Samuel Obeng Acheampong, was apprehended on Sunday, November 22, 2025, through an intelligence-led operation. The arrest followed the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection forwarding the matter to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for immediate action.

A statement signed by Chief Inspector Brigitte Babanawo, Public Relations Officer for the CID, indicated that during questioning, the suspect admitted to the act, claiming it occurred about five years ago.

Earlier, the Gender Ministry condemned the act, describing it as both abusive and illegal. It emphasised that exposing a child to harmful substances breaches the Children’s Act, 1998 (Act 560), which protects children from physical, emotional, and moral harm.

The Ministry also noted that such conduct undermines national efforts under the Early Childhood Care and Development Policy, which promotes safe and nurturing environments for young children.

The CID reminded the public that any act endangering a child’s well-being is punishable under Ghanaian law. Samuel Obeng Acheampong remains in custody, assisting investigators, and will be brought before the court.

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