The parents and guardians of children who are left on the streets to beg and fend for themselves would now be prosecuted in the quest by the Ministry of Gender and Social Protection to rid the streets of minors.
Sector Minister, Otiko Afisa Djaba says her outfit is embarking on "operation get off the streets now" to combat the problem.
The number of children begging on the streets in Accra, especially at major intersections and traffic lights has been on a steady rise over the past few years. A number of them are accompanied by their parents who find shady areas to rest while the children beg for alms on the scorching sun.
Some of the minors have also taken to selling items on the streets, forcing them to run between vehicles, often with fatal consequences. They are also exposed to many forms of abuse.
Many have attributed the situation to poverty and the increasing cost of living in Accra, which is one of the most expensive cities to live in, on the African continent
Madam Afisa Djaba says apart from prosecuting the parents and guardians, there would be strict enforcement of the provisions of the provisions of the Children's Act 560, 1998 from the community to regional and national levels.
The Ministry would also provide to the affected kids child-friendly information, education and communication on diverse abuses and exploitation they may face.
She said government would as well embark on the promotion of community-based economic empowerment and social protection programmes with the aim of tackling the root cause of the problem and putting others such as the disabled on the streets in meaningful employment.
Afisa Djaba is hopeful the social intervention programme would save children from the dangers of being on the streets and bring dignity to the disabled and kayaye.