Between November 15 and 23, 2025, several disturbing incidents involving children were reported across Ghana, sparking outrage and renewed calls for stronger child protection measures.

During this period, minors were subjected to shocking acts of abuse, ranging from adults irresponsibly introducing them to alcohol, to a caretaker allegedly pouring hot water on a nine‑year‑old girl simply because she defecated in a room.

These acts have been widely condemned as abusive and unacceptable, raising serious concerns about the responsibilities of caregivers and the enforcement of child protection laws.

Below is a list of some of the reported cases regarding children in the last week.

Caretaker allegedly pours hot water on nine-year-old girl for 'defecating' in room

One of the most alarming cases occurred at Duase in the Kumasi Metropolis on Saturday, November 22, 2025, when a nine‑year‑old girl was allegedly assaulted by her elder sister, identified as Beauty Inakwe.

According to reports, the suspect poured hot water on the child and cut her hand after she defecated in their room. Residents claim the suspect, known in the area as a sex worker, has been abusing the girl for months.

Neighbours revealed that the suspect often locked the victim and her own child inside their single room at night while she left for work. With no toilet facility available, the children relied on a public restroom.

When the girl was unable to reach it in time, she reportedly resorted to relieving herself in a plastic bag — a situation that frequently led to severe punishment.

Although the victim has since been discharged from hospital, she told neighbours she remains in great pain and described a pattern of abuse at the hands of her sister.

Police at the Kenyase District Command arrested the suspect but later granted her bail on Saturday, November 23, 2025.

Couple arrested for allegedly beating 13-year-old daughter to death at Kokrobite

Another disturbing case was recorded on Friday, November 21, 2025, at Kokrobite in Accra, where a couple allegedly beat a 13‑year‑old girl, identified as Janet Ntiamoah, to death.

The victim, also known as Baby, was reportedly assaulted by her father, Issah Mohammed, and her stepmother, Yaa Grace, after the latter accused her of taking food while Issah was away at work.

Sources indicate that Issah had previously divorced Baby’s biological mother following repeated incidents of abuse and is now living with his new partner, who has also been implicated in the case.

In a viral video that circulated on X on November 23, 2025, neighbours alleged that Issah beat the child severely, resulting in critical internal injuries. The couple has also been accused of confining Baby in a separate room without food or water, where she died the next day.

Suspicious neighbours alerted the police, leading to the arrest of both suspects.

Police have since taken up the case, with child rights advocates calling for swift justice and stronger measures to protect vulnerable children from such violent treatment.

'Barbaric!' – Social media reacts to video of toddler being given alcohol by adults

In another disturbing incident, a video that circulated online on November 23, 2025, showed a child, reportedly three years old, being given alcohol by adults.

The footage sparked outrage among social media users and child rights advocates, who described the act as reckless and inhumane.

The video showed the girl being handed a pineapple‑flavoured alcoholic beverage by two female adults while she danced.

She was later spotted drinking from the bottle by herself as the adults cheered her on.

The incident led to calls for the Ghana Police Service and the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection to take action. Viewers expressed shock that anyone would expose a child to such harmful substances, stressing the long‑term health and psychological risks.

Public outrage over video of grown men handing lit cigarette to baby

Another disturbing incident was captured in a video showing three young men allegedly handing a lit cigarette to a toddler.

In the footage, the child — a young girl — was seen crying and coughing while standing in front of them. One of the men handed the cigarette to her as the others watched.

A third person, who recorded the incident, was heard encouraging the act. Moments later, the individual who gave her the cigarette quickly snatches it back.

The group is then seen laughing mockingly as the toddler places the cigarette in her mouth, an act that has since sparked outrage and condemnation from the public.

Commentators noted that the behaviour of the young men could have put the child at serious risk and should be thoroughly investigated. Concerns were also raised about potential parental negligence, with calls for caregivers to be more vigilant about their children’s safety.

Meanwhile, the Ghana Police Service has confirmed the arrest of the man seen in the viral video administering the cigarette to the child.

In a statement issued on Sunday, November 23, 2025, police identified the suspect as Samuel Obeng Asare Acheampong, who was arrested through an intelligence‑led operation.

VKB/AE