29 May 2023 · Sha-Aban Bawah Ibrahim
There has been an immense increase in street children in Tamale, Northern Region of Ghana. They are mostly found wandering the town centre and bus stations with no social inclusion or parental care. These children are often seen begging for food or being used for child labour just to have food to eat.
Children of school-going age, instead of being put in school or learning centres to learn a skill, are left to fend for themselves — all because children are excluded from deciding their own future. They are exposed to many dangers and remain among the most vulnerable in society.
Challenges they face
- They are targets for human trafficking.
- They learn and practise social vices.
- They are exposed to diseases and sickness.
- They are targets for militants.
Causes of children on the streets
- Poverty and hunger in families.
- Lack of education for the children.
- Misinformation about street life.
- Deceit.
Consequences of streetism
- Reduces the productive human capital of the country.
- Increases social vices in the country.
- Leads to increased insecurity.
How to get children off the street
- Education.
- Provision of skills training.
- Arresting the kingpins operating on the street.