The Ghana Police Service has launched an investigation following the circulation of a disturbing video showing several men handing a lit cigarette to a toddler. The video, which quickly went viral online, has drawn widespread condemnation from the public and child rights advocates.
Authorities have confirmed that the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) is leading the probe and is urging anyone with information to come forward to help identify the individuals involved. Police officials emphasized that exposing a child to tobacco constitutes child endangerment, a serious offense under Ghanaian law.
The incident has also caught the attention of the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection, which described the act as a blatant violation of the child’s rights and called for swift legal action. Child-rights organizations have joined the calls for justice, warning that such behavior could have long-term physical and psychological consequences for the child.
The National Tobacco Control Commission has highlighted the health risks associated with exposing young children to tobacco, stressing that second-hand smoke can cause serious and lasting harm.
Social media users have expressed outrage over the video, demanding accountability and stricter enforcement of child protection laws. Several NGOs have offered to assist in ensuring the safety and welfare of the child involved.
The Ghana Police Service has assured the public that those responsible will face the full force of the law and that measures are being taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.
POLICE INVESTIGATE VIRAL VIDEO OF A MAN GIVING CIGARETTE TO A CHILD
The Ghana Police Service has commenced investigation into a viral video where a man is seen administering a substance suspected to be a cigarette to a child. pic.twitter.com/ruhLJUCStQ
— Ghana Police Service (@GhPoliceService) November 21, 2025
Source: Thepressradio.com
