[1] The youth constitute the most important human resource potential that can contribute significantly to the overall development of a nation.
Ironically, they are also among the most 'invisible', considering that they are the most difficult groups to reach with provision of vital services such as education and healthcare, and thus the hardest to protect.
Once on the street, aside being exposed to the mercy of the weather, they are vulnerable to all forms of exploitation and abuse, a life far removed from the childhood envisioned in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.
[5] Currently, about sixty-one thousand four hundred and ninety-two children are on the streets of Accra struggling to make ends meet.
In Ghana, a large number of street children can be found in Central Accra, the Kwame Nkrumah circle, Kumasi, Tamale, and other major centres.
[8] Streetism is the result of increased urbanisation and the difficult socio-economic circumstances rural families are experiencing.
Some parents neglect a bit older kids so as to be able to cater for younger ones due to financial problems.
Many children move from rural areas to the major cities like Kumasi and Accra in search of greener pastures.
[14] Major diseases affecting street children include malaria, fever, cold, rashes, cholera, headache and infections.
Children in the streets lack all forms of security and easily fall prey to any possible harmful people.
As a result, they are at a greater risk than other children of being physically and sexually abused by strangers and passers-by.
Through public education parents, guardians, children and everyone will become aware of the effects of streetism on the development of the child.
The government should also promulgate legislation and enforce laws to stop the activities of street children.