Beggars or Slaves: Proliferation of child beggars

While walking on the streets of Accra and other Ghanaian cities, you are likely to encounter a child beggar; who may grab your hand fiercely and request for money. This unpleasant situation may leave you paranoid or sympathetic depending on your ideology behind their motives.  Ranging between the ages of 3 and 17, these children (mostly aliens) earn a living by taking money from passers-by in the centre of town; even in harsh weather conditions as their parents are often seen sheltered comfortably.

Breadwinners/ Slaves

The probable question is: “are parents playing their role?” 

You may witness an elderly man or woman in the background ordering a child to ‘attack’ a passer-by.

It is hard to understand the circumstances supporting the sole aim of child beggars. As to whether they are helping their parents or being used by parents is contestable. Nonetheless, every child should be protected from engaging in any work that poses a threat to health, education and social development.

Legal Implications

The Constitution of Ghana clearly establishes the position of parents as the primary protector of children but the state cannot be ignored. Article 28 of the constitution emphasizes on child protection as an obligation for all stakeholders.

Stakeholders

It is clear that parents of child beggars are not playing a positive part in their predicament.  They may be identified as the ‘main perpetrators of the crime’.

Efforts instituted by the Department of Social Welfare to extirpate this condition failed due to inadequate funding (Graphic Online, 2014). But as an obligation, action must still be taken despite failed efforts.

Social Impact

The means of survival know to these children is asking for alms; it is highly possible that this occupation would be passed on from one generation to another.  

They live on the street and are exposed to both physical and psychology harm. They observe unfortunate scenes during the day and the ‘exciting’ nightlife of people. They see how others hustle to survive. They are exposed to almost all social vices. Ask yourself; what will they do when they become adults with no skills and formal education?  How will they survive when they lose those adorable looks which grab you with pity and make you liable to give?

But one thing is for sure; this phenomenon likely to worsen and a further growth in crime and other social vices should be expected if the situation is not curtailed.