Streetism, a pervasive issue plaguing countries, particularly those in the developing world, has reached alarming proportions in Ghana, with a staggering 100,000 cases recorded.
What’s even more disheartening is that the majority of these cases involve vulnerable children grappling with the harsh realities of poverty, setting the stage for a vicious cycle of social degradation.
These young souls, forced to navigate the unforgiving streets, often find themselves resorting to criminal activities, including theft and disruptive behavior, as they struggle to eke out a meager existence.
Shockingly, a significant portion, roughly 10%, comprises foreign nationals, mainly hailing from Niger and Mali. Equally distressing are instances where entire families, such as mothers with two or three children, are forced into this dire situation, reduced to begging for their survival.
The plight of these street children is nothing short of heart-wrenching. They endure physical and emotional abuse, harassment, exploitation, and the constant looming threat of abduction.
In the midst of this bleak landscape, one organization stands as a beacon of hope: the Street Children Empowerment Foundation.
This Foundation, bolstered by government support, tirelessly endeavors to provide these vulnerable children with shelter, education, and rehabilitation programs, offering them a chance at a brighter future.
However, the harrowing truth is that not all street children can be reached and rescued. The proliferation of streetism across the nation, coupled with a lack of adequate funding from the government, has hampered their efforts.
The dire situation poses a grave threat to society at large. As these young souls roam the streets, engaging in criminal activities, they become a menace to the safety and security of all citizens.
The imperative now is for the Ghanaian government to step up its commitment to combating streetism. The current efforts led by the Street Children Empowerment Foundation are commendable but insufficient to address the crisis at hand. Urgent action is needed.
The government must consider channeling more resources towards supporting the foundation’s mission or establishing additional organizations dedicated to rescuing these children and providing them with a chance at a better future.
The future of these vulnerable children hangs in the balance, and it is incumbent upon the government to act decisively. Only through a concerted effort can Ghana hope to break the shackles of streetism and offer these young souls the promise of a brighter tomorrow.
Author- Rita Nsiah
