The Executive Director of Child Rights International, Bright Appiah, has called for the prosecution of adults who exploit children for begging. Following the arrest of over 2,000 street children and their guardians, Appiah emphasized that arrests alone are insufficient.
In an interview, he said, “There are areas that the state can involve prosecution because when you look at the Beggars Act, it calls for prosecution of those who would engage the child to beg on the street or those who will find themselves begging on the street.”
Appiah urged authorities to prioritize child protection and enforce laws to hold accountable those who put children on the streets. “If you are begging as an adult, the state can also institute a prosecution action against you. The state can also look at the role that you play in allowing a child to engage in begging,” he said.
He stressed that sustainable impact will come from strengthening institutional collaboration and enforcing laws to protect children.
