Samuel Anaglate, Head of the Foster Care Services Unit at the Department of Social Welfare, has emphasized that Ghanaian law protects children and the vulnerable, criminalizing both child begging and those who facilitate it.
He highlighted that Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies should address these issues, with the Social Welfare Department encouraging citizens to assist in eradicating the problem.
Mr. Anaglate shared these insights during a telephone interview on “Adwenekasa,” a current affairs program hosted by Kwaku Owusu Adjei on Original TV and Original 91.9 FM.
Ghana has one of the highest rates of child labor globally, with approximately 21% of children engaged in some form of labor. While much of this occurs in rural areas, urban street begging is also prevalent. Many child beggars in Accra originate from northern regions or are part of families displaced by conflicts in neighboring countries.
Family poverty is a primary driver of child begging. Additional factors include lack of awareness about legal prohibitions and religious teachings against begging, as well as limited support for displaced families. Muslim leaders and educators in Ghana hold varied views on the causes, consequences, and solutions to this issue.
Witnessing children beg on the streets is distressing, and addressing this complex issue requires integrated approaches. Collaboration among religious and non-religious leaders, educators, human rights experts, and social workers is essential to develop effective solutions.
Story : RSM Kofi Doe Lawson
