Streetism is regularly changing into an albatross on the neck of Ghanaians, notably, those that dwell within the capital metropolis, Accra.
With some estimated sixty-one thousand kids, each overseas and locals on our streets, many appear to query the curiosity of the State in these kids.
A really brilliant sunny morning on the Marina Mall enclave in Accra, an energetic transport system has saved the setting busy and buzzing.
On the shoulders of the busiest street within the space, a bunch of youngsters have gathered right here. Some have been nonetheless sleeping whereas a pair extra have been awake to a brand new day.
For months, these kids who’ve migrated from completely different components of the nation, typically from the continent to the enclave have discovered solace on the streets of Accra.
That is regardless of typically the cruel climate situations. Their well being and security are equally in danger. Baby delinquency, parental neglect and poverty have fueled the apply through the years.
Throughout the day, the younger boys carry out menial duties which incorporates washing of wind screens of vehicles in site visitors to earn pittance for a dwelling. On some events, they immediately beg for cash from passers-by.
Not even the hazard of being knocked down by movement autos will deter them. The road kids numbering about fifteen, claimed to creating wealth from their menial enterprise on the streets reinforcing their solace on the road.
One other stated, “road life is sweet however one suffers when it rains”. 13-year-old Nana Yaw who had traveled from Kumasi to Accra advised 3news.com’s Stanley Nii Blewu that he has come to Accra to hustle so he can ship cash house to oldsters. “My dad and mom are struggling as a result of they’re poor. ”
Of extra concern is the casual recruitment of overseas baby beggars onto the streets. The police which is remitted to implement the legislative instrument which criminalizes begging in Ghana doesn’t appear to have applied our legal guidelines for many years, worsening the state of affairs.
This additionally implies that gamers who’re behind the scenes are emboldened to ship extra weak kids to the streets. Maybe, it’s a thriving enterprise for them.
Baby begging, in line with the Worldwide Labour Organisation (ILO), is a type of compelled baby labour.
Some baby rights advocates additionally maintain similar view because the apply exposes kids to fixed hazard.
Underneath the Beggars and Destitute Act (NLCD 392), part (2), begging is a legal act in Ghana and offenders are to be prosecuted. However this has not been the case for years in Ghana with the nation’s capital metropolis Accra, flooded with unkempt kids.
The presence of those kids is felt at nearly each main street intersection within the capital metropolis. From Shiashie to Ghana’s main Airport in Accra, to Opebea and even on the seat of presidency.
The site visitors lights in entrance of the nation’s seat of presidency, the Jubilee Home is a spot
for some Nigerien kids.
The Zongo junction enclave at Madina additionally performs host to a different set of overseas beggars with deep rooted considerations from passersby.
They don’t seem to be completely satisfied that the Ministry of Gender, Youngsters and Social Safety has not been proactive in remedying the state of affairs on streets within the nation.
Final 12 months, the Govt Director of Baby’s Rights Worldwide, Brilliant Appiah facilitated the repatriation of a number of households of road beggars with the view of sanitizing the system.
However the prevailing situation of youngsters on streets begging for alms leaves a lot to be desired.
Is it that state establishments don’t care or it’s enterprise as ordinary to maintain these kids on Ghana’s streets?