The Ghana Police Service (GPS) has launched investigations into a viral video in which a man is seen allegedly giving a substance believed to be a cigarette to a child. 

In the video, the child is seen visibily distressed, crying and coughing. 

In a statement, police said efforts were underway to identify and arrest the suspect, while steps were also being taken to ensure the child’s safety and wellbeing.

They further appealed to the public to provide any information that could assist in locating either the man or the child by reporting to the nearest police station.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection has strongly condemned the incident, describing it as a “clear case of child endangerment”.

In a press release dated Friday, November 21, the ministry stated that exposing a child to harmful substances was abusive and violated the child’s rights and dignity, warning that such acts were punishable under Ghanaian law.

The ministry added that the act contravened the Children’s Act, 1998 (Act 560), which required that every child be protected from physical, psychological, and moral harm. It also undermined the objectives of the Early Childhood Care and Development Policy, which promotes the holistic development of children in safe, nurturing environments, the Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey-led ministry highlighted.

Police and the ministry have both urged the public to remain vigilant and to prioritise the protection of children from all forms of harm.