The Ghana Police Service has stated that it has begun investigations into a viral video showing young men handing a partially smoked cigarette to a toddler.
In a statement issued on Friday, November 21, 2025, the police said they are making efforts to locate and identify the young men in the viral video, as well as to ensure the child’s safety.
“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. Every effort is being made to identify and arrest the suspect involved, and to ensure that the child is safe and protected,” portions of the statement read.
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The police have also called on the public to provide any information regarding the identities of the individuals involved to assist with the investigation.
“We urge members of the public who have any information regarding the identity or whereabouts of the man or the child to report to the nearest Police Station,” the statement added.
The announcement follows public outrage and calls for the arrest of the unidentified men after the video went viral on social media.
Additionally, the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection had earlier issued a statement saying it had forwarded the disturbing video to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) for appropriate action.
The ministry condemned the actions of the young men, stating that their behavior was criminal as it exposed the child to harmful substances.
“The Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection (MoGCSP) has taken notice of a disturbing video circulating on social media in which a group of men are seen forcing a young child to smoke a cigarette. Exposing children to harmful substances constitutes child endangerment. This conduct is abusive and a clear violation of the child’s rights and dignity, and it is punishable by law.
“It contravenes the Children’s Act, 1998 (Act 560), which mandates that every child should be protected from exposure to physical, psychological, and moral harm. It also undermines key objectives in the Early Childhood Care and Development Policy, which promotes holistic child development and protection in safe and nurturing environments,” the ministry’s statement added.
It further stated, “The Ministry strongly condemns conduct that exposes children to harm and wishes to caution parents, guardians, caregivers, and everyone of their collective responsibilities to protect and safeguard the development of children and young people. Following this act, the Minister for Gender, Children, and Social Protection has forwarded the video to the Criminal Investigations Department of the Ghana Police Service for immediate action. We urge the police to expedite actions to arrest and prosecute the perpetrators.”
About the video:
The disturbing video shows a toddler, a young girl, crying and coughing while standing in front of three men.
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A third person, who was recording the incident, can be heard encouraging the child to smoke the cigarette.
The group is seen laughing mockingly when the toddler places the cigarette in her mouth, after which the person who handed it to her quickly snatches it back.
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
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