Gender Ministry condemns ‘cruel’ punishment of child over bed-wetting

The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP) has condemned the alleged abuse of a six-year-old child in Asamankese, saying no child should be brutalised for a medical or developmental condition.

In a statement issued on Monday, 15 December, the Ministry described the reported incident — in which the child was allegedly subjected to harsh treatment for bed-wetting — as a serious failure of caregiving and a breach of Ghana’s child protection obligations.

MoGCSP has requested that the relevant security and welfare agencies open a full, independent investigation, with a clear focus on both accountability and the physical and psychological well-being of the child.

The Ministry said the case underlined the urgent need for stricter enforcement of child protection laws and better public awareness of what constitutes abuse.

It warned that punishing children for conditions such as bed-wetting reflects “a serious lapse in the duty of care” and contravenes national child welfare standards.

The statement urged parents, guardians and institutions to seek medical and psychosocial support when dealing with childhood health and developmental challenges, rather than resorting to punishment or humiliation.

The Ministry reiterated that protecting children is a collective societal responsibility, calling on communities to speak up against abuse and to foster safe, nurturing environments where children can grow without fear.

Members of the public who witness or suspect abuse are encouraged to report cases through:

Domestic Violence Call Centre: 0800-111-222

Helpline of Hope (MoGCSP): 0800-800-800 / 0800-900-900

Or at any nearest police station.