The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection has condemned a disturbing video circulating on social media in which several men are seen forcing a young boy to smoke a cigarette.

Describing the act as “abusive and a clear violation of the child’s rights and dignity,” the Ministry said exposing a child to harmful substances amounts to child endangerment and is punishable under Ghanaian law.

According to the statement, the incident breaches the Children’s Act, 1998 (Act 560), which mandates that every child must be protected from physical, psychological, and moral harm.

It also undermines the principles of Ghana’s Early Childhood Care and Development Policy, which seeks to ensure that children grow in safe and nurturing environments.

The Ministry strongly cautioned parents, guardians, caregivers, and the public to uphold their collective responsibility to protect children from harm.

Following the release of the video, the Gender Minister has forwarded the footage to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service for immediate action.

The Ministry has urged the police to “expedite actions to arrest and prosecute the perpetrators.”

As Ghana approaches the climax of the global 16 Days of Activism Against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, the Ministry called on families, traditional authorities, religious leaders, and civil society groups to intensify efforts to safeguard vulnerable children and prevent all forms of abuse.

The statement said that protecting the rights and dignity of children remains a shared national responsibility.

Read the full statement below