The Cape Coast Metropolitan Assembly has announced strict new measures to deal with rising cases of child delinquency and social vices among the youth in the city.
Metropolitan Chief Executive George Justice Arthur said children found loitering at night without supervision will be picked up by police, and their parents will face consequences.
“Henceforth, any child below the age of 18 found loitering in town after 9pm will be arrested and sent to the police,” he warned. “The parents of that child will be dealt with accordingly when the system begins to run effectively.”
Mr Arthur made the comments during the Assembly’s recent meeting, where he described the situation as a serious problem. He said some children are often seen wandering around late into the night, especially at Kotokuraba, without any guidance. He said many of these children are involved in drug use, school truancy and other forms of indiscipline.
The Assembly has also resolved to demolish all ghettos and hotspots where such behaviours are common. According to the MCE, these places have become breeding grounds for crime and drug abuse.
“All ghettos and areas identified as hiding places for smoking wee and other forms of negative behaviour will be pulled down,” he said.
As part of the safety plan, Mr Arthur said the Assembly has provided streetlights to some schools, including Cape Coast School for the Deaf and Blind and Effutu Senior High School, to improve security on campuses.
He also announced that the Assembly will carry out community sensitisation before the policy takes effect. “We are starting with sensitisation before we begin to arrest children and deal with their parents,” he stated.
Cape Coast, recognized as Ghana’s educational hub, has been experiencing an increasing issue with youth indiscipline in recent years. Mr. Arthur mentioned that the new measures are part of a larger initiative aimed at restoring discipline and securing the city’s future.
He added that the Assembly is also making progress in other areas, such as road improvements, sanitation inspections, and plans to open a night market at Adisadel.
Mr Arthur said Cape Coast is preparing to be part of Ghana’s 24-hour economy and is working on an eight-year development plan to attract investment. He stated that the Assembly is dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities and will continue to foster inclusive development..
He called on all community leaders, assembly members and residents to support the effort. “This is not politics. This is not about NDC or NPP. This is about our children and the future of Cape Coast,” he said
