“Moko sane lɛ moko sane ni” – this timeless Ga proverb, which translates to “One person’s matter is another person’s concern,” embodies the collective responsibility that defines Ghanaian society. It reminds us that social challenges affecting any member of our community should concern us all, as their suffering and dignity are intrinsically linked to our own. As a social work student at the University of Ghana, this principle deeply resonates with me and forms the foundation of my advocacy for those affected by streetism in our capital city.
Ghana stands tall as the first sub-Saharan African nation to gain independence, earning international acclaim for its warm hospitality and peaceful democracy. Our nation has long been considered a beacon of hope in West Africa, welcoming refugees and visitors with open arms. However, this admirable reputation is increasingly being tested by the growing phenomenon of streetism, particularly involving foreign nationals from neighboring countries such as Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Libya, and other nations in the region. Walking through the streets of Accra daily on my way to lectures, I witness firsthand the human cost of this crisis, which has strengthened my resolve to advocate for change through the lens of human rights and social justice principles I am learning at the Department of Social Work.
The Human Face of Streetism: Voices from the Streets.
The streets of Accra have become home to vulnerable populations, predominantly women and children of school-going age, who spend their days begging under harsh weather conditions. These individuals endure scorching sun during daylight hours and heavy downpours during the rainy season. Children who should be receiving education are instead being sent to beg, compromising their future prospects and fundamental rights. Most disturbingly, young girls on the streets face severe protection concerns, with many becoming victims of sexual violence and rape. Without proper shelter, supervision, or protection mechanisms, these girls are highly vulnerable to predators who exploit their precarious situations.
This sexual exploitation inflicts severe physical and psychological trauma, with lifelong consequences that further entrap these children in cycles of poverty and vulnerability. During my field practicum with local NGOs serving vulnerable populations, I have personally encountered survivors of such abuse, and their stories have profoundly affected my understanding of how streetism intersects with gender-based violence in ways that demand urgent intervention.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), to which Ghana is a signatory, clearly establishes in Article 25(1) that “Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and of his family, including food, clothing, housing and medical care and necessary social services.”
Furthermore, Article 28 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child stipulates that children have the right to education, while Article 32 protects them from economic exploitation. Article 34 specifically requires State Parties to protect children from all forms of sexual exploitation and sexual abuse. The prevalence of child begging and sexual exploitation of street children directly violates these international commitments. Through my coursework in Human Rights and Social Development at the University of Ghana, I have come to appreciate how these frameworks should inform our national policies and community interventions.
Domestic Legal Frameworks: Laws and Gaps.
Ghana’s domestic legislation also addresses these issues. The Children’s Act of 1998 (Act 560) explicitly prohibits the exploitation of children and mandates their right to education. Section 87 of the Act specifically forbids child labor that deprives children of education, while Section 18 emphasizes parental duty to protect children from neglect and exposure to physical or moral hazards. Section 6 further protects children from discriminatory treatment, while Section 8 guarantees every child the right to protection from exposure to physical and moral hazards.
Moreover, the Human Trafficking Act, 2005 (Act 694) criminalizes the exploitation of vulnerable persons, including using children for begging activities. The Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29) also criminalizes sexual offenses against minors, providing legal frameworks to protect children from sexual exploitation. My studies in Social Policy Analysis have revealed the gap between these legislative protections and their implementation, a discrepancy that motivates my advocacy work.
Despite these legal frameworks, enforcement remains inadequate, and the issue persists. Therefore, the Government of Ghana, through the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, must implement comprehensive strategies to address this social crisis. Initially, a thorough needs assessment should be conducted to understand the scale of the problem and identify the specific needs of those affected. This assessment would inform targeted interventions and resource allocation. Having participated in community needs assessments as part of my academic training, I understand the critical importance of evidence-based approaches to complex social problems.
Cross-Border Cooperation and Repatriation Strategies.
Subsequently, the ministry should collaborate with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration to engage with embassies of neighboring countries. Diplomatic channels can facilitate the development of repatriation programs that ensure these individuals return to their countries of origin with dignity and support. It is essential to recognize that while Ghana can provide temporary assistance, the long-term responsibility for these nationals rests with their home countries. My coursework in International Social Work has highlighted the importance of such cross-border cooperation in addressing transnational social issues.
Furthermore, the Ghana Immigration Service should conduct compassionate operations to identify undocumented foreign nationals on our streets. Rather than punitive measures, these operations should focus on connecting individuals with appropriate social services before coordinating their safe return home. These efforts must be conducted with cultural sensitivity and respect for human rights principles. Through my volunteer work with refugee communities in Accra, I have observed how culturally sensitive approaches yield more sustainable outcomes for vulnerable populations.
In the interim, transitional support services are crucial. The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection should establish temporary shelters providing basic necessities, healthcare, and psychological support. Special attention must be given to girls who have experienced sexual violence, ensuring they receive proper medical care, trauma counseling, and legal support to pursue justice against perpetrators. For all children, educational bridging programs can help prepare them for reintegration into formal schooling upon their return to their home countries. These interventions honor Ghana’s humanitarian traditions while acknowledging practical limitations in resources. As I prepare for a career in social work, I am committed to contributing to such trauma-informed care systems that recognize the unique needs of vulnerable populations.
Additionally, bilateral agreements with neighboring countries should be established to address root causes of migration. These agreements might include economic cooperation, conflict resolution mechanisms, and shared responsibility for vulnerable populations. Ghana could also advocate within ECOWAS and the African Union for regional solutions to displacement and economic migration. My studies in Regional Development and Social Policy have emphasized the importance of such multilateral approaches to addressing complex social challenges.
Public Education and Community Involvement.
Importantly, public education campaigns are necessary to foster understanding among Ghanaians about the complex factors driving streetism. These campaigns can reduce stigmatization while encouraging citizens to support official channels of assistance rather than giving directly to beggars, which may inadvertently perpetuate the cycle. Moreover, awareness campaigns should highlight the specific dangers faced by girls on the streets, encouraging community vigilance and reporting of suspected abuse or exploitation. Through my participation in university-led community education initiatives, I have witnessed how increased awareness can transform public attitudes and mobilize community resources.
As a social work student committed to human rights and equity, I recognize that addressing streetism requires balancing compassion with practical solutions. Ghana can maintain its reputation for hospitality while also implementing structured processes that ultimately benefit all parties involved. By honoring international commitments while acknowledging resource constraints, Ghana can demonstrate leadership in humanitarian response that respects human dignity. The values and skills I am developing at the University of Ghana’s Department of Social Work—including critical thinking, evidence-based practice, and advocacy-compel me to speak out on behalf of these vulnerable populations whose voices often go unheard in policy discussions.
In conclusion, the proverb “Moko sane lɛ moko sane ni” reminds us that the plight of those living on our streets is not merely their problem but a collective concern for all Ghanaians. The suffering of street dwellers, especially vulnerable women and children from neighboring countries, calls for our compassionate intervention, not as optional charity but as a moral imperative. Through coordinated effort between government ministries, diplomatic missions, civil society organizations, and citizens, we can effectively address the challenge of streetism in Accra.
This approach allows Ghana to uphold its commitments to human rights while ensuring that foreign nationals receive appropriate care and support in their countries of origin. As I continue my journey toward becoming a professional social worker and a social policy analyst, I pledge to advocate tirelessly for policies and interventions that restore dignity to our streets and to the lives of vulnerable individuals who currently call them home, particularly protecting young girls from the devastating impact of sexual violence and exploitation. Our response to streetism will demonstrate whether we truly embody the principle that another’s concern must be our concern as well—a principle that lies at the heart of both our cultural heritage and the professional ethics that guide social work practice.
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Author: Noah Nii Afotey Odai
Edited by: Wahab Abdul Razak
