By: Benjamin Nii Nai Anyetei
The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP) has strongly condemned the abuse of a six-year-old child at Asamankese in the Eastern Region, describing the incident as a grave violation of the child’s rights and a failure of caregiver responsibility.
In a press statement dated December 15, 2025, the Ministry said its attention had been drawn to an incident in which the child was subjected to severe mistreatment after bed-wetting, a condition the Ministry described as common and medically recognised in childhood.
The Ministry stressed that bed-wetting is neither a crime nor an act of defiance, but a health and developmental issue that requires care, patience and appropriate professional support. It stated that no child should ever be punished, humiliated or harmed for circumstances beyond their control.
MoGCSP said the incident underscores the urgent need for strict enforcement of child protection laws to deter abuse and to ensure that children are protected in homes, schools and all care settings. The Ministry also reiterated that every child has the right to safety, dignity and compassionate care.
Following the circulation of a viral video showing the abuse, the Ministry, in a subsequent update dated December 16, 2025, confirmed that the matter was promptly referred to the Ghana Police Service by the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection.
According to the Ministry, the police have since arrested the suspect involved, and investigations are currently ongoing. MoGCSP said it is working closely with the Ghana Police Service and other relevant child protection agencies to ensure that the case is thoroughly investigated and that justice is served in accordance with the law.
The Ministry further cautioned parents, guardians and caregivers against the use of violent disciplinary methods, urging the adoption of non-violent approaches to child upbringing. It emphasised that discipline must never result in physical harm to a child.
MoGCSP also called on families, communities, traditional and religious leaders, and the general public to play their part in protecting children and ensuring they grow up in safe, caring and protective environments.
The Ministry urged the public to report all suspected cases of abuse through the Domestic Violence Call Centre on 0800-111-222, the Ministry’s Helpline of Hope Call Centre on 0800-800-800 or 0800-900-900, or at the nearest police station.
