UNIVERSITY OF CAPE COAST

STREETISM AND LA-NKWANTANANG-MADINA MUNICIPALITY BASIC SEVEN

PUPILS’ SCHOOL ATTENDANCE AT BABA YARA D/A JHS, MADINA.

KENNEDY NYARKOTEY

DENNIS KWESI SEVOR

ISAAC NTSIFUL

STEPHEN OKAI AYISI

 UNIVERSITY OF CAPE COAST

STREETISM AND LA-NKWANTANANG-MADINA MUNICIPALITY BASIC SEVEN

PUPILS’ SCHOOL ATTENDANCE AT BABA YARA D/A JHS, MADINA.

BY

KENNEDY NYARKOTEY

DENNIS KWESI SEVOR

ISAAC NTSIFUL

STEPHEN OKAI AYISI

Project Work Submitted to the Department of Education and Psychology of the Faculty of

Education, University of Cape Coast, in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Award of

the Bachelor of Educational Psychology Degree.

AUGUST, 2024

ii
DECLARATIONS

Candidates’ Declaration

We hereby declare that this project work is the result of our own original research and
that no part of it has been presented for another degree in this university or elsewhere.

Candidates’ Name Signature Date

KENNEDY NYARKOTEY .....……………….. ………………

DENNIS KWESI SEVOR .....……………….. ………………

ISAAC NTSIFUL .....……………….. ………………

STEPHEN OKAI AYISI .....……………….. ………………

Supervisor’s Declaration

I hereby declare that the preparation and presentation of the project work were
supervised in accordance with the guidelines on supervision of project work laid down by the
University of Cape Coast.

Supervisor’s Signature: ……………………. Date: …………………………

Name: Dr. Ekua Tekyiwa Amua-Sekyi

iii
 ABSTRACT

Child streetism is a problem which both the government, Non-governmental Organizations

(NGOs) and religious bodies are trying their possible best to help reduce or curb. In May 2009, a

survey was conducted by Ghana Statistical Service and about sixty-one thousand, four hundred

and ninety-two were on the street of Accra and Kumasi. The research sought to identify the

major causes and effect of child streetism in Oforikrom Township and also to find out its effect

on the church and the community and the measures the church of Pentecost has put in place to

curb it. The causes of child streetism identified include poverty, bad company and broken homes.

The study employed both qualitative and quantitative methods, which involved interview and

questionnaires. The Local Secretary of the church of Pentecost was interviewed. The findings of

the study include the following; first most of the children indulge themselves into some menial

jobs in order to cater for themselves. Secondly, some girls and boys are expose to sexual

harassment. Lastly, most of the children do not have financial or emotional support from their

families. The study recommends that, the church should go the street occasionally, and take full

responsibilities of some of the children to help reduce the phenomenon.

iv
 TABLE OF CONTENT

DECLARATION...........................................................................................................................ii

DEDICATION..............................................................................................................................iii

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT............................................................................................................iv

ABSTRACT....................................................................................................................................v

TABLE OF CONTENT................................................................................................................vi

LIST OF TABLES.........................................................................................................................x

CHAPTER ONE ………………………………………………………………………………….

1 GENERAL INTRODUCTION..........................................................................................1

1.1 BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY......................................................................................1

1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM.....................................................................................3

1.3 RESEARCH OBJECTIVES..................................................................................................3

1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS...................................................................................................4

1.5 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY.......................................................................................4

1.6 SCOPE OF THE STUDY......................................................................................................4

1.7 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY...........................................................................................5

1.8 LITERATURE REVIEW......................................................................................................5

1.9 ORGANIZATION OF THE STUDY..................................................................................10

CHAPTER TWO.........................................................................................................................12

CAUSES AND IMPACTS OF STREETISM IN GHANA...........................................................12

2.1 INTRODUCTION...............................................................................................................12

2.2 CONCEPT OF A CHILD....................................................................................................13

2.3 CAUSES OF CHILD STREETISM....................................................................................14

2.3.1 ECONOMIC RELATED FACTORS...........................................................................14

2.3.2 SOCIAL RELATED FACTORS..................................................................................15

v
 2.3.3 MIGRATION................................................................................................................16

2.4 EFFECTS OF CHILD STREETISM...................................................................................16

2.5 RELIGIOUS RESPONSE TO CHILD STREETISM.........................................................17

2.6 CLASSIFICATION OF STREET CHILDREN..................................................................19

2.7 CHARATERISTICS OF STREET CHILDREN.................................................................21

2.8 CONCLUSION....................................................................................................................23

CHAPTER THREE.....................................................................................................................24

HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT OF OFORIKROM AND THE CHURCH OF PENTECOST

.......................................................................................................................................................24

3.1 INTRODUCTION...............................................................................................................24

3.2 DEMOGRAPHY OF OFORIKROM IN OFORIKROM MUNICIPALITY......................24

3.3 HISTORICAL OVERVIEW OF OFORIKROM MUNICIPALITY..................................25

3.4 CULTURAL STRUCTURE OF OFORIKROM.................................................................26

3.5 ECONOMIC STATUS ACTIVITY AND OCCUPATION................................................26

3.6 RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION...............................................................................................27

3.7 THE GROWTH OF THE CHURCH OF PENTECOST.....................................................27

3.7.1 A BRIEF HISTORY OF PENTECOSTALISM...........................................................27

3.7.2 A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE CHURCH OF PENTECOST.......................................29

3.8 Mission, Visions and Doctrine of the Pentecost Church....................................................30

3.8.1 MISSION STATEMENT.............................................................................................30

3.8.2 VISION STATEMENT................................................................................................30

3.8.3 DOCTRINE OF THE CHURCH OF PENTECOST....................................................31

3.8.4 CORE BELIEFS IN THE CHURCH OF PENTECOST..............................................31

CHAPTER FOUR........................................................................................................................34

vi
DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALSIS..................................................................................34

4.1 INTRODUCTION...............................................................................................................34

4.2 DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION...................................................................................34

4.2.1 GENDER......................................................................................................................35

4.2.2 AGE..............................................................................................................................35

4.2.3 MARITAL STATUS....................................................................................................36

4.2.4 LEVEL OF EDUCATION...........................................................................................36

4.2.5 MEMBERSHIP TENURE..........................................................................................38

4.3 CAUSES OF CHILD STREETISM....................................................................................38

4.4 EFFECTS OF CHILD STREETISM...................................................................................39

4.5 ROLE OF RELIGIOUS BODIES IN CURBING CHILD STREETISM...........................40

4.6 SUGGESTED PLANS AND PROJECT.............................................................................42

4.7 DATA ANALYSIS OF THE INTERVIEW........................................................................43

4.8 CAUSES OF CHILD STREETISM....................................................................................43

4.9 EFFECTS OF CHILD STREETISM...................................................................................44

4.10 THE RESPONSE OF THE CHURCH OF PENTECOST TO CHILD STREETISM......45

4.11 CHALLENGES FACED BY THE CHURCH OF PENTECOST IN THEIR RESPONSE

TO CHILD STREETISM AND MITIGATION MEASURES.................................................46

4.12 IN CONCLUSION.............................................................................................................47

CHAPTER FIVE.........................................................................................................................48

SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION............................48

5.1 INTRODUCTION...............................................................................................................48

5.2 SUMMARY OF FINDINGS...............................................................................................48

5.2.1 THE CAUSES OF CHILD OF STREETISM..............................................................48

5.2.2 EFFECTS OF CHILD STREETISM............................................................................49

5.2.3 THE RESPONSE OF THE CHURCH OF PENTECOST TO CHILD STREETISM. 49

vii
 5.3 CONCLUSION....................................................................................................................50

5.4 RECOMMENDATION.......................................................................................................51

5.5 LIMITATION......................................................................................................................51

BIBLIOGRAPHY........................................................................................................................52

APPENDIX 1................................................................................................................................59

APPENDIX 2................................................................................................................................61

viii
 LIST OF TABLES
Table 4.1: Sex................................................................................................................................35
Table 4.2: Age................................................................................................................................35
Table 4.3: Marital status................................................................................................................36
Table 4.4: Level of Education........................................................................................................37
Table 4.5: Membership tenure.......................................................................................................38
Table 4.6 Causes of child streetism...............................................................................................39
Table 4.7: Effects of child streetism..............................................................................................40
Table 4.8: Role of religious bodies to reduce child streetism........................................................41

ix
 CHAPTER ONE

GENERAL INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY

The issue of child streetism is a significant one that has existed for a long time around the world.

Although the issue is generally common in developing countries, it is not unique to them.

Streetism is rare in developing nations than it is in industrialized nations due to the unplanned

urbanization process. The problem of streetism is a continuous threat that exists in today's

society1. Children's physical, psychological, and social requirements must be ordered for them to

grow and develop normally. If parents, families, communities, and society fails to meet these

basic needs, children's development will suffer in the short and long run. Conflicts, and violent

severe socioeconomic crises, such as displacement, are some causes of streetism. Isolation from

family, work and community are essential factors in long-term consequences for young people 2.

The most important resources and capabilities that will contribute to the general growth of a

country are found in the younger generations. At the local and state levels, little is being built up

into this enormous potential, which will provide Ghana with the strength and flexibility it needs

to meet its socioeconomic and political development objectives. Though parents and guardians

are instinctively protective of their children, parents are supposed to provide for their children's

social, moral, and educational needs; under the circumstance. The situation in Ghana's big cities

is substantially different. Children in Kumasi are unpleasant and disturbing to watch. People are

hawking, hauling luggage, and indulging in deception on every corner to stay alive. The amount

of children living on the streets in Ghana in general and in Kumasi, in particular, is increasing at
1
AMEKUEDI, Gifty Lebenam. "Addressing child streetism in the La-Nkwantanang madina
municiplaity." PhD diss., KDI School, 2016.
2
A Asanbayev, T Kutebayev, and K Khamchiyev, “Streetism Is the Global Trend or the Flipside
of the Developing World,” European Journal of Natural History 5 (2016): 119–21.
1
such an alarming rate that the issue has become a concern to policymakers besides becoming a

real social problem. 3In today's modern world, especially in underdeveloped nations, many

children are completely reliant on their families for essential services and even survival. Children

living on the streets are in violation of the Children's Act, which states that no one under the age

of fifteen may work or be left to support themselves. Instead of being perceived as an

environmental issue that has an impact on society and the nation as a whole, child street crime is
4
viewed as an economic issue. Children living on the streets lack dignity and are treated with

disrespect. There are numerous young people who live on the streets, and you may see them in

market areas and public spaces from Aflao to Bawku. Basic necessities like education,

healthcare, and shelter are not met for these street children, and it is also challenging to provide

for their safety. The majority of targets for everyday abuse are children who live on the streets.

In Accra and Kumasi, there are approximately 16,490 young people living on the streets and

working hard to make a life. In May 2009, a census taken of children was carried out in Accra.

The statistics revealed that 57% of the population was female and 43% was male. In Ghana's
5
largest cities and towns, you will find majority of the street children. The majority of Ghana's

street children are born in the north. There is nothing better in the life of street kids than misery,

suffering, and abuse. Examining the factors, viewpoints, answers, and contributions of the

Church of Pentecost to the issue of child streetism in Oforikrom, Kumasi, is the aim of the study.
6

3
Alenoma, Grace. "Parental perspectives on children streetism in Tamale in Ghana." Research on
humanities and social sciences 2, no. 8 (2012): 74-81.
4
Appiah, K. E., P. Osei-Poku, and O. Adiyaa. "Streetism and its Implications on Learning at the Basic
Schools in Somanya, Ghana." Indiana Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences 3, no. 7 (2022): 1-4.
5
Levanon, Asaf, Paula England, and Paul Allison. "Occupational feminization and pay: Assessing causal
dynamics using 1950–2000 US census data." Social forces 88, no. 2 (2009): 865-891.
6
AMEKUEDI, Gifty Lebenam. "Addressing child streetism in the La-Nkwantanang madina municiplaity."
PhD diss., KDI School, 2016.

2
1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

The issue of child streetism is not a concept or a phenomenon that could be overlooked. Child

streetism affects all countries in the world. As negative impacts which includes increase in social

vices, teenage pregnancies and school dropout poses danger to the lives of the children and

communities. Child streetism affects the country’s development and economics polices. This

study seeks to examine the factors that pushes the children to the streets and how best the church

can help reduce or curb this phenomenon.

1.3 RESEARCH OBJECTIVES

The main aim of the study is to assess the response of The Church of Pentecost in curbing child

streetism in Oforikrom, Kumasi.

Other sub objectives are;

I. To find out the major cause of child streetism in Ghana.

II. To examine the effects of child streetism on the society.

III. To examine the measure, The Church of Pentecost puts in place to help reduce child

streetism in Ghana.

1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS

The main question;

What is the role of The Church of Pentecost in resolving child streetism in Oforikrom, Kumasi?

Other sub questions;

I. What are the causes of child streetism?

3
 II. What are the effects of child streetism on the society?

III. What are the measure put in place to help reduce child streetism moderately by The

Church of Pentecost?

1.5 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The study will give a valuable tool in the form of knowledge to the youth on the variables that

lead to streetism, particularly among the people of Oforikrom. As a result, the church will be

able to make effective policies and programs for permanent solution to the problem. The findings

of this study will be helpful to church leaders who have several tasks to complete in order to

prevent youth from engaging in an immoral acts. As a result, it appears that the focus of this

study is to investigate the causes and effects of streetism on the people and the church as a

whole. This research would also be beneficial to students and researchers interested in

conducting more research on the issue.

1.6 SCOPE OF THE STUDY

Streetism is a broad theme all over the world and Ghana is not an exception. The study will focus

on Oforikrom, Kumasi. This research will examine the interactions between the church of

Pentecost and the members of the church. Oforikrom is where the study will take place because

of its closeness to the school and also the citizen’s strong religious affiliations and the fact that

there are some young people living and struggling on the streets to make ends meet. For the

convenience in data collection, the focus of the study will be conducted in Oforikrom.

1.7 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Research methodology is the overall practical plan used for conducting a study. This involves

how data will be collected and analyzed. This study would combine both quantitative and

qualitative research methods to provide answers to the research questions. To answer the

4
research question 1, would be a vast qualitative study to investigate the response of the

Pentecostal church to streetism among children in Kumasi. Research questions 2, 3, 4 and 5,

would be dealt with by conducting quantitative studies, intended to focus mainly on the causes

and effects of streetism and how best to control streetism among the people of Oforikrom. Most

of them would focus on male and female children ranging from average ages of five to sixteen

years to solicit for the youths and help improve their standard of living. This section of research

will look at the degree of moral knowledge, attitudes, and behavioral intentions among teenagers

and how effective intervention programs would change the scenario before and after the

intervention.

1.8 LITERATURE REVIEW

Child streetism has been a recurring and an ever growing phenomenon in our contemporary

times. This phenomenon is mostly seen in developing countries of which Ghana is an example.

Following this, Savenstedt and Haggatrom (2004), revealed that, streetism is a severe societal,

social and individual problem that is a rapidly growing aspect of the developing countries due to

specific complicated social and family related problems such as poverty, domestic violence,

physical and sexual abuse and HIV AIDS. Owing to this, numerous studies have been conducted

around the causes and effects of child streetism. 7 Thus, Alenoma (2012) espoused that, available

literature suggests that, street children in Ghana attracted the attention of researchers and

development practitioners in the 1990s. Consequently, the review of the literature in this study

will sought to add onto the already existing literature that pertains to child streetism. 8

7
Kefey, Abrha Kiros. "Streetism Onsets, Challenges and Roles Played by Stakeholders to Care the Street
Children: A Case Study of Street Children in Mekelle City."
8
Alenoma, Grace. "Parental perspectives on children streetism in Tamale in Ghana." Research on
humanities and social sciences 2, no. 8 (2012): 74-81.

5
Child streetism has become a term that encompasses people on the streets struggling to make

ends meet. Child streetism is seen to be a highly contested concept as there is no one accepted

definition among scholars. Thus, Alenoma (2012) opines that, differentials in the definition of

street children carry out make a head count of the population of street children difficult. A
9
number of definitions have been identified to describe this phenomenon. Child streetism is

essentially described as children or young people living on the street for survival and financial

support between the ages of 5 to 18. These children live almost all their lives on the streets

begging, selling and carrying loads among other activities so as to be able to fend for themselves.
10

From the perspective of Encyclopedia Britannica, child streetism was conceptualized as the

living conditions of street children who typically work menial occupation to support themselves.
11
Akuffo (2001), asserted that, a street child is any child that does practically all of their living,

eating and sleeping on the streets. This means that, these kids do not have homes and hence, the

street is seen to be their place of abode. It is of no surprise that, Kiros Kefey referred to this
12
phenomenon as life situations of street children who usually live in difficult circumstances.

Ennew (2003) discussed streetism as the ways of living, coping and surviving on the street.

Having given a few definitions of child streetism, attention will then be focused on what causes

this phenomenon and its effects. 13

9
Alenoma, Grace. "Parental perspectives on children streetism in Tamale in Ghana." Research on
humanities and social sciences 2, no. 8 (2012): 74-81.
10
Obeng-Odoom, Franklin. "Street children in cities in Ghana: an insider account." (2015): 879-881.
11
Asanbayev, A. Zh, T. Zh Kutebayev, and K. M. Khamchiyev. "STREETISM IS THE GLOBAL TREND
OR THE FLIPSIDE OF THE DEVELOPING WORLD." European Journal of Natural History 5 (2016): 119-
121.
12
Kefey, Abrha Kiros. "Streetism Onsets, Challenges and Roles Played by Stakeholders to Care the
Street Children: A Case Study of Street Children in Mekelle City."
13
Ennew, Judith, and Jill Swart-Kruger. "Introduction: Homes, places and spaces in the construction of
street children and street youth." Children Youth and Environments 13, no. 1 (2003): 81-104.

6
Numerous causes and influencing variables have been identified as contributing to child
streetism.

Identifying or describing the precise causes of it is a difficult task. From human variables like the

desire for independence and perceived opulence of street life to ecological issues like poverty,

parental HIV-related death, neglect, abuse, urbanization, and parental drunkenness, as well as

elements that combine the two.14

Mahlangu (2002) asserts that there are multiple causative factors involved in the phenomena of

street children. The risk variables that contribute to the issue of streetism are numerous and

context-dependent. According to the majority of academics, the main factors contributing to

street culture include extreme poverty, unemployment, family dissolution (divorce), child abuse

and neglect, behavioral disorders, sensationalism, and civil conflict. These variables can be

divided into two groups: direct and immediate causes, which directly produce streetism, and

indirect reasons, which indirectly cause streetism but do not directly cause the child to be on the

streets (causes that lead the child to reside in the streets, away from home). 15

According to West (2003), relatives, parents, or other community members play a role in the

children's migration to the streets. These children are even discarded. The majority of street

children come from violent, abusive, neglected, and rejected home environments. These

children's lives are made challenging by their exploitation and parental rejection. These

circumstances caused youngsters to develop violent, delinquent, and anxious traits as well as low

self-esteem, depression, and a desire to flee their homes and live and work on the streets. These

children who are subjected to physical and psychological abuse by family members frequently

feel unworthy and unwanted. In Sierra Leone, many children are born outside of marriage. The

majority of children who are considered illegitimate and are bred in privation and are at danger
14
Arthur, Isaac Ishmael. ? STREETISM? Author House, 2013.
15
Endris, Sofiya, and Galata Sitota. "Causes and Consequences of Streetism among Street Children in
Harar City, Ethiopia." International Journal of Education and Literacy Studies 7, no. 2 (2019): 94-99.

7
of abuse, neglect, and abandonment. Children as a result flee their homes in search of survival in

the streets. Because they perceive this to be unfair and a rejection by their families, some

children believe that the only way out of their predicament is to live on the streets. 16

According to studies, physical injury, HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted diseases, sexual and

reproductive health disorders, brutality and assault, drug addiction, and psychiatric health

concerns are among the main health challenges affecting street children. They are regarded as the

most at risk group because to their extreme poverty, lack of access to healthcare, and lack of

educational opportunities. They suffer from violence and are compelled to stay on the streets,

where they scavenge, beg, sell goods in slums, and endure unhealthy conditions. Violence

against street kids prevents them from having the right to stay in a secure vicinity.17

In the lack of protection from their families or the government, children may end up on the

streets as a result of marital abuse, workplace violence, or other forms of violence, according to

ESCWA (2010). According to results of a thorough investigation carried out in Indonesia, family

dynamics that result in neglect, abandonment, abuse, and violence also encourage children to flee

their homes, even though money problems are a big contributing factor. A homeless child in

Egypt once said that, because of the violence’s recurrence and persuasive fear of additional abuse

and violence, life at home was more terrifying and terrible than it was on the street. The issue of

early and arranged weddings is one more cultural norm that exacerbates the problem of streetism.
18
Hatloy and Huser (2005) claim that one example of such a norm is the expectation that girls

16
Endris, Sofiya, and Galata Sitota. "Causes and Consequences of Streetism among Street Children in
Harar City, Ethiopia." International Journal of Education and Literacy Studies 7, no. 2 (2019): 94-99.
17
Uduigwomen, Godspower Andrew. "History and Impact of Child Streetism in Calabar,
1943– 2015." Unpublished MA Thesis. Department of History and International Studies,
University of Calabar (2019).
18
Anaman, Parvati. "Life Crisis: The Effects of Streetism on the Ghanaian Child & National
Security." LIFE 1 (2021): 1.

8
get married young, particularly in Ghana's northern areas, which pushes children out into the

streets. 19 Street children are the victims of economic development, conflict, deprivation, and the

loss of fundamental values, family violence, and corporal and emotional abuse. Every street child

has a purpose for living there. While some youngsters are drawn to the street by the prospect of

adventure and freedom, the majority are compelled to do so by desperation and the realization

that they have nowhere else to turn. The primary means of survival of street children is often

used to name them. It is clear that street children live in extreme poverty, and understanding

street children's characteristics, needs, behaviors, and methods of identification is necessary to

provide targeted interventions that address their needs. Their demands and issues stem from their

need to meet essential requirements for survival. Street children struggle to provide for their

basic needs, including clothing, food, housing, and health care.20

As the causes of child streetism are diverse and numerous, so is its consequences. Child streetism

has over the years and in our contemporary times been seen as a major social problem in major

parts of the world especially in developing countries. The causes of child streetism is so

pervasive in Ghana such that, its effect is felt harshly in societies. Streetism exposes the children

to a lot of health problems and other hazards. According to Anarfi (1997), research indicates that,

street children are at a higher risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases than anyone else.
21
It was mostly the case that, male friends demanded for sex from the girls as compensation.

Awartey argued that, a study in Kumasi city revealed that, about 90 percent of the street children

19
Ibrahim, Mohammed Gunu. "Assessing the Challenges and Coping Strategies Adopted by Street
Children of School Going Age in the Tamale Metropolis: Policy Implications." Advances in Social
Sciences Research Journal 8, no. 12 (2021).
20
Ojelabi, S. A., and O. Oyewole. "Economic factors as correlates of streetism among urban children in
Ibadan metropolis, Nigeria. Dev. Ctry." Stud 2 (2012): 87-93.
21
Anarfi, John K. "Vulnerability to sexually transmitted disease: street children in Accra." Health Transition
Review 7 (1997): 281-306.

9
lack detailed knowledge on STDs and had less power to negotiate for safe sex. The child

streetism phenomenon also promotes victimization, exploitation and discrimination. Street kids

are normally prone to rape. Studies have shown that, most street children have interrupted
22
education, with little or no education at all. Child streetism also promotes child labor. Hindman

(2009) establishes that, the prevalence of child labor among street children across the globe is

high. Children on the street also sometimes ends up in self-destructive and dangerous

circumstances like drug addiction, street gang life, crime and among others. All these constitute

a few of the lots the effect of child streetism have on societies and the country at large. 23

1.9 ORGANIZATION OF THE STUDY

The research will be divided into five chapters. It comprises of an introduction, background to

the study, the problem statement, the research aims and objectives, the research questions, the

scope of the study, significance of the study, literature review and organization of the study

which will be chapter one. Chapter two will contain the conceptual framework. The framework

will display the current state of knowledge on child streetism by offering definitions for scholarly

sources and people’s opinions. The explanations can help to comprehend the causes of this

global occurrence.

The framework study will then concentrate on the factors that lead to streetism among children.

Chapter three will cover the historical and development of Oforikrom and the Church of

Pentecost. Data collection by quantitative and qualitative data, research design, and research

methodologies such as interviews, samplings, and data analysis will be in chapter four. Chapter

five will be conclusions, contributions and recommendations.

22
Ibrahim, Mohammed Gunu. "Assessing the Challenges and Coping Strategies Adopted by Street
Children of School Going Age in the Tamale Metropolis: Policy Implications." Advances in Social
Sciences Research Journal 8, no. 12 (2021).
23
Fon, Courage Bobong. "Young people’s views on child abuse in Cameroon." (2018).

10
 CHAPTER TWO

CAUSES AND IMPACTS OF STREETISM IN GHANA

2.1 INTRODUCTION

Numerous books have been written regarding child streetism phenomenon. This is due to the

non-exhaustive nature of the notion and the recurring nature of the issue, which calls for

extensive research and response. As an ever growing phenomena in our world today, child

streetism has become a situation that cannot be ignored and hence, this study aims to add to the

literature that already exists on child streetism and how institutions like the church could curb

11
these situations. This chapter will review relevant literature in an effort to increase knowledge

and understanding of the concept of child streetism. Many academics have come to the

conclusion that, the idea of child streetism is actually a social phenomenon. 24

The issue of street children who seek refuge on the street has in our contemporary times taken a

global outlook and as a result, it poses an environmental and social threat on communities.

Consequently, this issue has been alluded to the poor nurturing of children by parents and their

subsequent neglect and shirking of their responsibilities as guardians of these children. Across

the world, these children have diverse yet similar tags. In some parts of the world, these kids are

sometimes referred to as “street children” whereas in Western Europe, they are known as

“homeless children”, meaning that they either sleep on the streets or move around and stay in

friends’ homes, market stalls or unfinished buildings, among other places. The challenge of

childhood neglect, parental unpreparedness that result in abandonment and outright lack of care

that forces such children from home into the street to find food makes the issue of street children

one that affects every action worldwide. 25

Ghana’s main cities including Kumasi, frequently have slum children as a nuisance. Developing

and poor countries like Ghana are particularly affected by the problem and it is widespread. A

global development sign that may be used to check a country’s level of development has

gradually emerged as a result of the increase in street children. In other words, while street

children are more prevalent in poor, underdeveloped and developing countries, they are less

visible and somewhat under control in developed countries because of the systems in place for

24
Arthur, Isaac Ishmael. ? STREETISM? Author House, 2013.
25
Ogunkan, D. V., and A. T. Adeboyejo. "Locational analysis of child streetism in urban
centers." International Journal of Human Capital in Urban Management 6, no. 2 (2021): 159-172.

12
the welfare of their citizens which are constantly geared toward providing for such children and

their parents. 26

2.2 THE CONCEPT OF A CHILD

From the views of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, a child is defined as someone

under the age of eighteen. Similarly, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child

opines that, a child is defined as any human being who is less than the age of eighteen, unless the

age of majority is reached earlier under the applicable law. From the said age ranges, these

children fall within the category of adolescence. Adolescents are persons between the ages of 10

and 19 according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The Juvenile Justice (Care and

Protection of Children) Act, (2015) writes, "A person who has not reached the age of eighteen"

is considered a child. 27

2.3 CAUSES OF CHILD STREETISM

There are numerous reasons or explanations for child street behavior. These elements vary from

person to person and from place to city. Several elements, including economic, societal, and

migration-related factors, contribute to this phenomena.28

2.3.1 ECONOMIC RELATED FACTORS

Children are driven to the streets for a variety of economic reasons, including poverty and

unemployment.

A. Poverty

26
Alenoma, Grace. "Parental perspectives on children streetism in Tamale in Ghana." Research on
humanities and social sciences 2, no. 8 (2012): 74-81.
27
Wyatt, Gail Elizabeth, and Stefanie Doyle Peters. "Issues in the definition of child sexual abuse in
prevalence research." Child abuse & neglect 10, no. 2 (1986): 231-240.
28
Tefera, Belay. "The situation of street children in selected cities of South Sudan: Magnitude, causes,
and effects." Eastern Africa Social Science Research Review 31, no. 1 (2015): 63-87.

13
 Some parents are irresponsible and slothful; they choose not to work and occasionally

resort to begging on the streets to support themselves. Due to the parents' inability to

meet their children' fundamental requirements as a result, the children have little choice

but to live on the streets, support their families, and fend for themselves. This causes a

rise in the problem of child streetism. 29

B. Unemployment
There are few chances for people who want to work and support their family and

themselves in the country and because of the difficulties there. In order to support their

families and children, some people or parents work menial occupations since they lack

the higher education necessary to obtain white-collar positions. Due to their inability to

meet all of their fundamental necessities, youngsters are compelled to work and sustain

themselves totally on the streets.

2.3.2 SOCIAL RELATED FACTORS

Child streetism has a number of societal reasons, including dysfunctional families, spousal

abuse, and parental neglect.

C. Broken homes

Children that have their parents split up experience a lot of difficulties. When parents are

separated, they can disregard their duties, causing children to experience psychological

stress. Some husbands even get remarried, which causes the children to flee to the streets

and be mistreated by their new wives, adding to the number of children living on the

streets.

D. Domestic violence

29
Kebede, Shimelis Kassa. "The situation of street children in urban centers of Ethiopia and the role of
NGO in addressing their socio-economic problems: the case of Hawassa City." Int J Acad Res Educ
Rev 3, no. 3 (2015): 45-57.

14
 Some parents or guardians severely mistreat their children, making them feel unwanted

or unloved by their families. They leave their families in search of calm in the streets,

where some of the children can relate to them more easily and provide solace. This

increases child streetism since they feel protected and continue to live on the streets. 30

E. Parental neglect
Due to parental poverty and alcoholism, the majority of parents ignore their children.

Since they did not receive the same treatment from their parents, they do not understand

the significance of raising their children. They refuse to give their children the

necessities. Some people may hesitate to accept obligations because they want to punish

their partners for breaking up with them. Due to this, the children are forced to live on the

streets.

2.3.3 MIGRATION

F. Rural urban migration

Migration from rural to urban areas is a significant element in the rise of child street

crime. The majority of children move from rural to urban areas in quest of better

opportunities for themselves and their family. Due to the lack of families in urban places,

youngsters from rural areas wind up creating alliances with street children and loitering

on the streets. 31

30
Abate, Degu, Addis Eyeberu, Dechasa Adare, Belay Negash, Addisu Alemu, Temam Beshir, Alemayehu Deressa
Wayessa et al. "Health status of street children and reasons for being forced to live on the streets in Harar, Eastern
Ethiopia. Using mixed methods." PloS one 17, no. 3 (2022): e0265601.
31
Chauke, Thulani Andrew, and Thiziwilondi Josephine Mudau. "‘‘Why am I here and what does South Africa new
dawn mean for me?” Youth streetism in the City of Polokwane." Journal of Gender, Information and Development
in Africa (JGIDA) 8, no. Special Issue 2 (2019): 181-193.

15
2.4 EFFECTS OF CHILD STREETISM

The effects of child streetism are numerous. Some of the effects are on the children and others

affects the society they find themselves.

I. Health hazards

Street children's main issues are health-related. Children are exposed to several health

issues and other dangers on the streets. Children are vulnerable to defilement because

they labor and live in harmful situations. Malaria, the common cold, fever, rashes,

cholera, headaches, and infections are the main illnesses affecting youngsters living on

the streets. These kids are at risk and frequently experience severe bodily harm from

mishaps like falling, being burned, or ingesting poison. 32

II. Sexual assaults

Children on the streets are completely unprotected and are easily targeted by any

potentially dangerous individuals. They are therefore more likely to experience physical

and sexual abuse, especially the ladies. These expose them to additional health risks, such

as unexpected pregnancies and even sexually transmitted diseases, and some even pass

away as a result of this. 33

III. Increase in crime wave

In order to support themselves, youngsters living on the streets are exposed to and

involved in a variety of social vices, including armed robbery, prostitution, kidnapping,

and drug usage. These children engage in these behaviors to be able to support their

32
Awatey, Samuel. "Assessing the effects of streetism on the livelihood of street children: A case study of Kumasi
(in Ghana)." Research on humanities and social sciences 4, no. 9 (2014): 165-173.
33
Anaman, Parvati. "Life Crisis: The Effects of Streetism on the Ghanaian Child & National Security." LIFE 1 (2021):
1.

16
 families and themselves since they lack the opportunity to obtain formal education and

learn a trade. As a result, they represent threats to society and the nation as a whole. 34

2.5 RELIGIOUS RESPONSE TO CHILD STREETISM

Following the causes and effects of child streetism identified in this study, it is imperative for a

collective effort to help curb this phenomenon. Consequently, it needs Institutions and

organizations with strong Institutional capacities to combat this phenomenon. In the case of

Ghana, many NGOs, and the government have come up with several intervention actions to

address the issue of child streetism in an attempt to reduce the menace. Some NGOs like Plan

International Ghana, Child Rights International, Catholic Action for Street Children (CAS) and

several other local and international NGOs have stepped in to contribute to eradicate child

streetism mainly through providing educational and vocational training and housing facilities for

these children. One key player in intervening in this situation are religious bodies. As part of

their mission to preach to communities, religious bodies also have the mandate to perform other

humanitarian works such as attending to the needs of people, comforting them and giving

financial assistance among other several function. Following this, as a rampant phenomenon

causing havoc in our communities, religious bodies have a role to play in curbing the child

streetism phenomenon by way of responding to this issue in diverse ways and interventions.

Globally, some churches from different denominations have been responding to the household
35
factors that are contributing to the increase of street children in the world while others are not.

According to Fraser et al., (2009), an intervention can be defined as purposeful actions taken to

influence a given situation. Interventions may be simple or complex and may comprise of single

34
Uduigwomen, Godspower Andrew. "History and Impact of Child Streetism in Calabar, 1943–2015." Unpublished
MA Thesis. Department of History and International Studies, University of Calabar (2019).
35
Dwyer, Timothy Joseph. "Frederick Ozanam, a Precursor of Modern Catholic Action." PhD diss., Fordham
University, 1934.

17
or cluster of activities. Fraser et al. (2009) opines that, interventions can be broadly categorized

as structural and place based. Structural interventions are those that tend to address social

structures; such as laws, social controls, opportunities and access, social roles, or socioeconomic

status. On the other hand, a place based intervention emphasizes where, who, and how the

intervention is taken. From these categories expressed, religious bodies perform this two kind of

intervention to address to the child streetism phenomenon. It happens that, all religious bodies
36
have different but complementary responses to child streetism. Consequently, the church of

Pentecost have brought up several responses to tackle streetism. Molahlehi (2014) indicates that,

street children have retracted due to the efforts of pastoral counselling and churches’
37
commitment to programs on the eradication of street children. The Church of Pentecost has

over the years exhibited their committed effort in combating this menace in the country. Through

giving of donations, consciously withdrawing these kids from the street into rehabilitation and

adoption to financial assistance. They also embark on sensitization programs educating the wards

of these children on how to prevent unwanted pregnancies amidst other several programs. The

church, having realized this phenomenon has eaten deep into the fabric of the nation, extensively

engage in activities to mitigate both the causes and effects of child streetism. 38

2.6 CLASSIFICATION OF STREET CHILDREN

UNICEF (2015), identified three types of street children: children who live on the street most of

the time but occasionally return home to visit their families; children who have left their families

and are living on the streets alone and have adopted some other street children as family

36
BOGALE, BIRHANU. "STREET CHILDREN IN ADDIS ABABA: EXPLORING POLICY FRAMEWORK FOR
INTERVENTIONS." PhD diss., ST. MARY’S UNIVERSITY, 2015.
37
Molahlehi, Lineo Anah. "The views of street children on how streetism can be prevented." PhD diss.,
North West University, 2014.
38
Quayesi-Amakye, Joseph. "Ghanaian Pentecostal Christology and Public Theology." In Christology and
Evil in Ghana, pp. 169-239. Brill, 2013.

18
members; children who are permanently living on the street with the street serving as their

homes. 39

Lusk (2008), separated the street children into three groups. Each group has individual

psychological characteristics.

(I) The independent street children: Since they are dependent on their daily labor to survive,

these people are also referred to as "street survivors." These children have poor attendance at

school and a higher degree of criminality as a result of the multiple activities they participate

in for survival.

(II) The impoverished street vendors: who almost certainly return to their homes and family

at night. Most of the time, they are on the streets hawking their commodities and supporting

their families. They are more likely to attend class and refrain from acting out.

(III) The last category identified by Lusk as the group of street children consists of people

whose family lives on the street because of poverty.

Children on the street and children of the street are the two categories UNICEF uses to

categorize street children based on their participation in street life. Children "on the street"

are those who utilize the streets primarily for economic reasons while retaining relationships

with their families, as opposed to children "of the street," who are homeless, work, sleep, or

spend most of their time on the streets without the help of their families. 40

A typology created by UNICEF distinguishes between distinct street child types based on the

extent of their participation in street life and their contact with their families.

39
Cosgrove, John G. "Towards a working definition of street children." International Social Work 33, no. 2
(1990): 185-192.
40
Williams, Christopher. "Who are “street children?” a hirerarchy of street use and appropriate
responses." Child Abuse & Neglect 17, no. 6 (1993): 831-841.

19
Street children have several unusual lifestyles that may occasionally be regarded as abnormal by

society, but they lack homogeneity and easily distinguishable characteristics that set them apart

from the other street children. 41

Among these typologies, Hatloy and Huser (2005) identify the following:

Children who work on the streets are those who engage in some form of economic activity but

who might go home at the end of the day to support their family. Even if they are enrolled in

school, they may still feel like family. These children can decide to live on the streets for the rest

of their lives due to the unstable financial position of the family. Children who live on the streets

are individuals who have chosen to actively participate in street life for reasons other than

economic need. Although they usually have a family nearby that they can visit periodically, the

street is where they primarily live. 42

According to the UNICEF typology, "street children" is a subset of "abandoned children." Street

children are included in this group as well, although they can be identified because they no

longer have any contact with their biological families and are fully self-sufficient. Those who are

without a place to call home include orphans, fugitives, refugees, and other individuals—

possibly as a result of the demise of their parents or their rejection, as well as the lack of

extended relatives.

Children at High Risk is one more subcategory. Because of the extreme poverty and hardship in

their households or the absence of adequate care and supervision from working parents, these

children are often urban children who are of an alarming rate of being meddled in street life.

41
Awatey, Samuel. "Assessing the effects of streetism on the livelihood of street children: A case study of
Kumasi (in Ghana)." Research on humanities and social sciences 4, no. 9 (2014): 165-173.
42
Richter, LM* & van der Walt, M. "The psychological assessment of South African street children." Africa
Insight 26, no. 3 (1996): 211-220.

20
These children have the potential of becoming street children since they frequently spend a lot of

time on the streets. 43

The typology that UNICEF used to distinguish between street-based and home-based street

children—children "of the street" and "on the street"—has proven to be difficult to uphold.

Children frequently rejected these stereotypes in actuality, making this classification

unsatisfactory. Many children choose to sleep everywhere and anywhere, including at home and

on the streets.

2.7 CHARATERISTICS OF STREET CHILDREN

One of the most defenseless individuals that have challenges while living on the streets is the

street child. They frequently experience mistreatment and cruelty at the hands of others. They

come up with their own strategies to get beyond these obstacles. They have a few distinguishing

characteristics that can be used to identify them. 44

a) Shelter
Most children living on the streets lack a permanent place to sleep. The majority

of them slumber on the sidewalks or streets near stores and shopping centers;

some also doze off at bus stops, train stations, platforms, under bridges, and

alongside movie theaters. Because they are exposed to abuse when they sleep on

the streets, some street girls prefer to spend their evenings with security guards.

43
Awatey, Samuel. "Assessing the effects of streetism on the livelihood of street children: A case study of
Kumasi (in Ghana)." Research on humanities and social sciences 4, no. 9 (2014): 165-173.
44
Beyene, Y., and Y. Berhane. "Characteristics of street children in Nazareth, Ethiopia." East African
medical journal 74, no. 2 (1997): 85-88.

21
 Children who spend most of their time on the streets and even sleep outside

expose their vulnerability and the lack of refuge their families can offer. 45

b) Income

In order to meet their basic requirements and support their families, street

youngsters labor as luggage loaders, car washers, auto guards, shoe shiners, and

car park guys. Some of them depend on peddling things and begging for money

on the streets. In order to meet their everyday necessities, some people are also

participating in the drug trade. These characteristics are typical of youngsters on

the streets and are visible to the publicly.

c) Social network

Peer networks serve as the social support system and network of protection for

street children. They rely completely on their friends for advice on everything,

and those same friends have a strong influence over them. As a result, they join

dubious companies and commit more social vices. 46

d) Health care

Due to their poor living conditions, children living on the streets are susceptible to

all diseases. Since they do not have enough money, they struggle greatly to obtain

medications. Some of the children living on the streets can also afford to purchase

some drugs with their meager funds, while others must wait for their injuries to

45
Abdelgalil, S., R. G. Gurgel, Sally Theobald, and L. E. Cuevas. "Household and family characteristics of
street children in Aracaju, Brazil." Archives of Disease in Childhood 89, no. 9 (2004): 817-820.
46
Ayuku, David O., Marten W. Devries, HNK Arap Mengech, and Charles D. Kaplan. "Temperament
characteristics of street and non-street children in Eldoret, Kenya." African Health Sciences 4, no. 1
(2004): 24-30.

22
 heal naturally since they lack the resources. These kids have struggled to survive

and make ends meet while living on the streets. 47

2.8 CONCLUSION

In conclusion, there have been several reviews of works on child streetism. The first is an

introduction, after which I went on to expound on the idea of a child, the phenomena of child

streetism, how to classify street children, their traits, and the causes of streetism in Ghana.

CHAPTER THREE

HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT OF OFORIKROM AND THE CHURCH OF

PENTECOST

3.1 INTRODUCTION

A description of the demography of the municipality of Oforikrom would be provided in this

chapter. This would include how the town was founded, its cultural makeup, its economic

activity, its religious affiliations, the expansion of the Church of Pentecost, its structure, its

mission statement, vision statement, and its core values.

3.2 DEMOGRAPHY OF OFORIKROM IN OFORIKROM MUNICIPALITY

One of the forty-three districts in Ghana's Ashanti Region is the Oforikrom Municipal district. It

was established by the former Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly and was introduced on March

15th, 2018, with LI 2291. The Municipality is 250–300 meters above sea level and may be found

47
Khaniha, Ahmad Reza Ahmad, Mitra Hakim Shooshtari, Mehrdad Mohammadian, Reza Bidaki, and
Ahmad Pourrashidi Boshrabadi. "Familial characteristics of street children in Tehran, Iran." Iranian journal
of psychiatry and behavioral sciences 8, no. 2 (2014): 86.

23
 48
between Latitude 6.35N and 6.40S and Longitude 1.30W and 1.35E. It is located around 270

kilometers north of Accra, the country's capital. Its surface area is roughly 4, 97847 hectares, or

about 0.0192 percent of the Ashanti Region's total land area. According to the 2010 National

Population and Housing Census, there were 303, 016 people living in the Oforikrom Municipal

Assembly, consisting of 149, 827 men and 153, 189 women. The estimated population for 2019

was 373 055, of which 184 165 were men and 188 890 were women. Ayigya is the community

with the highest anticipated population density at 67,604 people, while Bebre has the lowest

projected population density of 2.667 people. The Municipality is bordered to the east by Ejisu,

to the south-west by Bosomtwe District Assembly, to the north by Asokore Mampong, and to the

west by Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly. 49

3.3 HISTORICAL OVERVIEW OF OFORIKROM MUNICIPALITY

Oforikrom municipality shares the same historical background as Kumasi because it is located in
50
the Ashanti region of Ghana. The capital of the new Ashanti State, which was created by the

voluntary union of around a dozen city governments, is Kumasi. In 1935, the British Colonial

Authority reinstated the Asanteman Traditional Council as the traditional governing body of the

former Ashanti Kingdom. Kumasi was designated as the council's new home, but it retained no

political authority, which belonged to the British Colonial Government, which had its

headquarters in Accra and included the Ashanti Region's Oforikrom. Oforikrom is made up of

the geographical features (location, size, climate, flora, relief, and drainage). Their lovely

temperature and plants contribute to their ability to live well and enjoy gorgeous scenery. In its

48
Poku-Boansi, Michael, Clifford Amoako, Justice Kufuor Owusu-Ansah, and Patrick Brandful Cobbinah.
"The geography of urban poverty in Kumasi, Ghana." Habitat International 103 (2020): 102220.
49
Ghana. Statistical Service. 2000 Population and housing census: Summary report of final results.
Ghana Statistical Service, 2002.
50
Lee, Dong-Hoon. "The Household Characteristics and the Housing Condition of Seoul-Focused on the
2010 Population and Housing Census." Journal of the Architectural Institute of Korea Planning &
Design 28, no. 8 (2012): 91-98.

24
early stages, Oforikrom was a small settlement governed by a Chief and his organizations. To

run the community, the chief makes choices along with the associates. 51

3.4 CULTURAL STRUCTURE OF OFORIKROM

The Akwasidae festival is a huge Ashanti celebration centered on ancestor worship,

52
remembering past rulers, and recognizing their heroic deeds. It is observed by the inhabitants
53
of the Ashanti Region. The Asantehene presides over the oath of allegiance to the Golden

Stool at the festivities. The Akwasidae festival attracts visitors from all over the world who want

to learn about African culture. 54Akwasidae is the time when former rulers are invoked to bestow

their blessings on the populace. The dead are invited to join in the celebration as harmonies are

voiced by the drums and horns. 55

51
Fox, Kristin. "The use of census data for national development planning Focus on the 2010 population
and housing census." (2014).
Johnson, Charles E. “Art and culture among the Ashanti of Ghana”. Journal of the Arkansas
52

Academy of Science 24, no. 1 (1970): 18-24

53
Kawano, Melanie. "Product of the past: An examination of Ashanti and Dagari Proverbs as a means of
exploring the cultural and societal effects of the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade on the Dagaaba people and
the Ashanti people." (1999).
54
Kwakye-Opong, Regina. "Beyond ethnic traditions: philosophies and socio-cultural relevance of the
Ashanti and the ewe kente cloths." Research on Humanities and Social Sciences 4, no. 26 (2014): 150-
165.
55
Asante, Eric Appau, Stephen Ababio, and Kwadwo Boakye Boadu. "The use of indigenous cultural
practices by the Ashantis for the conservation of forests in Ghana." SAGE Open 7, no. 1 (2017):
2158244016687611

25
 3.5 ECONOMIC STATUS ACTIVITY AND OCCUPATION

The most common jobs in Oforikrom are banking, carpentry, masonry, small trade, and hostel

management. Due to the institution (KNUST) being close to their town, the majority of them

work as hostel managers and small business owners. Most students commute to school for

lectures from the Oforikrom area. In the population of people who are 15 years of age or older,

around 72.5% of men and 69.6% of women are economically engaged. 91% of those who are

economically active are employed, while 8.9% are unemployed. Additionally, the majority

(52.8%) of the population who are not employed are in school full-time, followed by 20.3% who

work at home (domestic tasks), and 1.5% who are elderly and unable to work. Compared to men,

who make up 12.2 percent of the population, more women (26.9%) than men have domestic

responsibilities. 56

3.6 RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION

The population of Ghana is religiously diverse. The three main religions prevalent in Ghana are

showed below. They are African traditional religions, Christianity, and Islam. Ghana's

intensification has encouraged the practice of numerous religions in diverse regions of the nation.

One can observe all the religions at work in a typical Ghanaian community. Christianity

predominates in Oforikrom, followed by Islam and finally African Traditional Religion. There

are churches all across the neighborhood. Within the settlements of Oforikrom, there are

churches that are Pentecostal, Orthodox, and Charismatic. Most people in Oforikrom will attend

church on a regular Sunday or Saturday, depending on the service. Oforikrom has a sizable

number of devout believers. 57

56
Juran, Sabrina, and Rachel Snow. "The potential of the 2010 population and housing census round for
international migration analysis." In Conference on Improving Data Migration, Berlin. 2016.
57
Ghana. Statistical Service. 2010 Population & Housing Census Report: District Analytical Report: [name
of District or Municipal Assembly]. Vol. 6. Ghana Statistical Service, 2013.

26
 3.7 THE GROWTH OF THE CHURCH OF PENTECOST

3.7.1 A BRIEF HISTORY OF PENTECOSTALISM

The Christ Apostolic Church, The Apostolic Church of Ghana, and Ghana Apostolic Church,

which is now known as The Church of Pentecost, are largely responsible for the development of

Pentecostalism in Ghana. These three congregations all have common ancestry and can be linked

to the late Apostle Peter Newman Anim's 1917 ministry in the Gold Coast, which is now Ghana.
58
Together with these three churches, the Assemblies of God church has played a vital role in the

development of Pentecostalism in Ghana. As a result, the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic

Council today includes more than one hundred churches. 59Beginning with the ministry of the

late Apostle Peter Newman Anim in the Gold Coast around 1917, Apostle Peter Newman Anim

was initially an organist in the Presbyterian Church. Later, he developed an interest in a

magazine of the Faith Tabernacle Church of Philadelphia, USA, which came to the Gold Coast

and was popularly known as the Sword of the Spirit. He decided to practically demonstrate the

teachings of the magazine in 1920, which were focused on faith, healing, and deliverance. After

becoming a convert to the new religion, Apostle Peter Anim changed his name to "Newman." In

the future, after experiencing a miraculous recovery from a severe stomach disease and guinea
60
worm infection, he left the Presbyterian Church and began his own ministry at Asamankese.

As a result of their deep confidence in only divine healing and their first adoption of the name

"Faith Tabernacle Church," the apostle Peter Newman Anim's group was also known as

kyiribontoa. Apostle Anim's fresh meeting with the Apostolic Faith magazine, USA, whose

58
Asamoah-Gyadu, Johnson Kwabena. African charismatics: Current developments within independent
indigenous Pentecostalism in Ghana. Vol. 27. Leiden: Brill, 2005.
59
Larbi, Emmanuel Kingsley Kwabena. "Development of Ghanaian Pentecostalism: a study in the
appropriation of the Christian gospel in twentieth century Ghana setting with special reference to the
Christ Apostolic Church, the Church of Pentecost, and the International Central Gospel Church." (1996).
60
Meyer, Birgit. "The power of money: politics, occult forces, and Pentecostalism in Ghana." African
Studies Review 41, no. 3 (1998): 15-37.

27
teachings were more influenced by the Holy Spirit, led to the group subsequently changing its

name to The Christ Apostolic Church after going through various difficulties. Pastor James

McKeown was a missionary from The Apostolic Church, UK to support Apostle Anim's church

in the Gold Coast. This group had fellowship with Apostle James Kwaku Gyimah's group from

Akroso. A misunderstanding about his treatment for malaria caused the group to split into two.

In May 1953, Pastor James McKeown was expelled from the Apostolic Church in the UK. He

was let go for refusing to sign on to a new constitution that forbade the Latter Rains from

standing on the platforms of the church on the Gold Coast. 61 The Gold Coast Apostolic Church

adopted the name after severing ties with the Bradford Apostolic Church. Ghana Apostolic

Church was replaced with the Church of Pentecost under the leadership of Apostle G.A. Wood.

Apostle James McKeown changed the church's name on the first day of August 1962. Each

church is able to present its history in its own unique way, although being related to the same

founding fathers. 62

3.7.2 A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE CHURCH OF PENTECOST

Pastor James McKeown, who served from 1900 to 1989, was dispatched by the Apostolic

Church to the Gold Coast (now Ghana) in 1937 to help a community of believers in the apostolic
63
faith in Asamankese. His ministry is credited with helping to found the Church of Pentecost. In

accordance with the guidelines, doctrine, and customs of the apostolic faith, Rev. James

McKeown was detained in his room in Asamanseke in June 1937 after contracting a severe case

of malaria and going several days without medication. In Accra, at the European hospital that is

61
Asamoah-Gyadu, Johnson Kwabena. African charismatics: Current developments within independent
indigenous Pentecostalism in Ghana. Vol. 27. Leiden: Brill, 2005.
62
Corten, André, and Ruth Marshall-Fratani. Between babel and Pentecost: Transnational Pentecostalism
in Africa and Latin America. Indiana University Press, 2001.
63
North, James B., and Don Umphrey. A History of the Church: from Pentecost to the Present. College
Press, 1991.

28
today known as Ridge Hospital, the district commissioner brought McKeown, where he spent ten

days before making a full recovery.64

A general assembly was called in June 1983 to discuss the matter, but the Asamanseke leaders

refused and denounced McKeown for his lack of belief in prayer's power to heal. The Christ

Apostolic church and the apostolic church, Gold Coast were formed in 1939 as a result of

doctrinal disagreements regarding divine healing. McKeown noticed a sizable increase in the

latter. McKeown founded the Gold Coast Apostolic church in 1953 as a result of a constitutional

crisis.65 After Ghana gained its independence in 1957, the Gold Coast Apostolic Church adopted

the new name Ghana Apostolic Church. The crisis persisted after the separation in 1953. The

president of the Republic of Ghana at the time was compelled by new conflicts. Dr Kwame

Nkrumah advised the Ghana Apostolic Church's leadership to change its name. The Church of

Pentecost, which was founded by Apostolic Alphonso Wood, officially replaced the Ghana

Apostolic church on August 1st, 1962. 66

3.8 Mission, Visions and Doctrine of the Pentecost Church

3.8.1 MISSION STATEMENT

The Church of Pentecost exist to establish responsible and self-sustaining churches filled with

committed, spirit-filled Christians of character, who will impact their communities.

64
Tsekpoe, Christian. "'Local species' in African soil: the development of James McKeown's Mission Models and The
Church of Pentecost, Ghana." PhD diss., Middlesex University/Oxford Centre for Mission Studies, 2020.
65
White, Peter. "Missional branding: A case study of the Church of Pentecost." HTS: Theological Studies 75, no. 4
(2019): 1-7.
66
McGuire, Martin RP. "The History of the Church from Pentecost to 604: A Survey of Research, 1954–
1958." Theological Studies 20, no. 1 (1959): 82-107.

29
3.8.2 VISION STATEMENT

To become a global Pentecostal Church that is culturally relevant in vibrant evangelism, Church

planting, discipleship, and historic ministry.67

3.8.3 DOCTRINE OF THE CHURCH OF PENTECOST

The Holy Bible is God's Word, born of the inspiration of the Holy Spirit and the only foundation

of our doctrine. God is one, an eternal God in three persons: Father, Son and the Holy Spirit.

God is the creator of heaven and earth. 68

3.8.4 CORE BELIEFS IN THE CHURCH OF PENTECOST

The common beliefs of the Pentecost church are based on the following tenets

 The Bible
The Church of Pentecost firmly believe that the Holy Scriptures are inspired by God and

are infallible. We hold that the Bible is authoritative, ultimate, all-sufficient, infallible in

its declaration, and sufficient in all its provisions (2Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:21).

 The one true God

They believe in the presence of the One True God, Elohim, who is the Creator of the

entire universe and who has been revealed as a Triune Godhead that is One in Nature,

Essence, and Attributes, as Well as Omniscient, Omnipotent, and Omnipresent (Genesis

1:1; Mathew 3:16-17; 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14).

 Man’s deprived nature

67
McGee, Gary B. "Pentecostal strategies for global mission: A historical assessment." Called and empowered:
Global mission in Pentecostal perspective (2012): 203-224.
68
Daswani, Girish. Looking back, moving forward: Transformation and ethical practice in the Ghanaian
Church of Pentecost. University of Toronto Press, 2015.

30
 According to Genesis 3:1-9 and Isaiah 53:6, we hold that "all mankind have sinned and

fall short of the glory of God," are deserving of eternal damnation, and require repentance

and regeneration.

 The savior
The Church of Pentecost believes that because of Jesus Christ's Godhead, virgin birth,

sinless life, atoning death, resurrection, and ascension, as well as His ongoing presence

and Second Coming to judge the living and the dead, the need for a Savior has been

satisfied for mankind (Mathew 1:2; John 4:42; Philippians 2:6-11).

 Repentance, regeneration, justification and sanctification

The church holds that in order to be justified before God, all people must turn from their

sins, confess them to him, and accept Jesus Christ's vicarious death as payment for their

sins. We trust that the Holy Spirit will operate in the believer's sanctification and that God

will provide them eternal life as a gift (Luke 15:7; Acts 2: 38; Romans 4:25; 5:16; 1

Corinthians 1:30; 1 Thessalonians 4: 3).

 The sacraments of baptism and the lord’s supper

We accept the Sacrament of Immersion Baptism as a sign that a convert has reached a

mature age of roughly 15 years old. Although they are consecrated to the Lord, infants

and children are not baptized. We support members who are fully baptized participating

in the sacrament (Mathew 28:19-20; Mark 16:16; Luke 22:19-20).

 Baptism, gifts and of the Holy spirit

In addition to believing in the activity of the gifts and the fruit of the Holy Spirit in

believers' lives, we also believe in the baptism of the Holy Spirit for believers with

accompanying signs (Mark 16:17; Acts 2:4;1 Corinthians 12:8-11; Galatians 5:22-23).

 Divine healing

31
 The church hold that the atonement provides God's people with the ability to be healed of

illness and disease. However, the Church is not averse to seeking the advice of certified

medical professionals (2 Kings 20:7; Mathew 9:12; Luke 10:34; Colossians 4:14).

 Tithes and offering

The church supports paying tithes and making free-will donations in order to further the

cause of expanding God's Kingdom. We think that a cheerful giver is rewarded by God

(Genesis 14:18-20; 28:20-22; Malachi 3:6-10; Mathew 23:23; Acts 20:35; 1 Corinthians

16:1-3; 2 Corinthians 9:1-9).

 The second coming and the next life

They also believe in the Second Advent of Christ and the Resurrection of the Dead, both

the Saved and the Unsaved. The Saved will experience the Resurrection of Life, while the

Unsaved will experience the Resurrection of Damnation (Mark 13: 26; Daniel 12:2; John

5: 28-29; Acts 1:11; 10:42; Romans 2:7-11; 6:23).

 Marriage and family

We hold the institution of marriage to be a connection created and ordered by God for the

ever-lasting, passionate union of a man as husband and a woman as wife, as defined by

biology at birth. We hold that God established marriage primarily for the mutual support,

companionship, and comfort that each should have for the other, as well as for honorable

childbearing, the upbringing of children in love, obedient service to the Lord, and

responsible citizenship. (Genesis 2:18, 21–25, Matthew 19:4–6, and 1 Corinthians 7:1-2).
69

69
White, Peter. "Missional branding: A case study of the Church of Pentecost." HTS: Theological
Studies 75, no. 4 (2019): 1-7.

32
 CHAPTER FOUR

DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALSIS

4.1 INTRODUCTION

This chapter deals with the data analysis and discussion of the primary data (results) which was

gathered from the field survey. I collected data based on two types of instrumentation which was

questionnaire and interviews. The data gathered provided knowledge in achieving the purpose of

the research. According to Walliman (2017), the sort of analysis performed on the data collected

is dependent on the level of measurement employed in gathering the data and the number of

cases studied. Following this, I will perform two types of analysis as it involves two cases. The

first section of this chapter will focus on a SPSS analysis of the questionnaires gathered whereas

the next, will be done using thematic analysis to transcribe and analyze the interview.

Consequently, discussion in this chapter will be based on the data obtained under the different

objectives of the study. The adopted statistical tools were descriptive statistics (specifically

frequencies and mean score ranking). The outcomes of the findings after the analysis was done

was presented in tabular format and graphs.

4.2 DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION

The demographic data of the respondent was considered important as if not controlled, the total

variance of the dependent variable will be lost. Thus, to validate the responses to be obtained,

this section was added. Hence, the background information which I soughed for was on gender,

age, marital status, level of education and how long the respondent has been a member of the

church. The demographic analysis of the respondent is analyzed below in descriptive tables

33
4.2.1 GENDER

A total number of thirty (30) respondents were sampled out from the target population to form

the sample size. The analysis showed that, out of the thirty respondents, the analysis showed that,

thirteen (13) respondents were males representing 43.3% whereas, seventeen (17) respondents

were females representing 58.7%. This is shown in Table 4.1 below

Table 4.1: Sex

Frequency Percent Valid Percent Cumulative Percent

Male 13 43.3 43.3 43.3
Valid Female 17 56.7 56.7 100.0
Total 30 100.0 100.0

4.2.2 AGE

Respondents were asked to indicate their age range and as such, this section was added.

Subsequently, respondents were expected to choose from ages that ranges between 15-20, 21-30,

31-45 and 46 and above. The findings showed that, 8 respondents were between the ages of 15-

20 representing 26.7%, 15 respondents fell between the ages of 21-30 which represented 50%, 4

respondents had their ages between 31- 45 indicating 13.3%. 10% had 3 respondent having their

ages fall between 46 and above. Findings are summarized in Table 4.2 below

Table 4.2: Age

Frequency Percent Valid Percent Cumulative Percent

15-20 8 26.7 26.7 26.7
21-30 15 50.0 50.0 76.7
Valid 31-45 4 13.3 13.3 90.0
46 and above 3 10.0 10.0 100.0
Total 30 100.0 100.0

34
4.2.3 MARITAL STATUS

This section was added to the questionnaire to know the marital status of the study’s unit of

analysis. Subsequently, the findings which had variables such as single, married, divorced and

cohabitating was assessed. From the findings, it showed that, 20 respondents were single taking a

66.7%, 5 respondents were married representing 16.7|%, 4 respondents were divorced indicating

a 13.3% and there was 1 cohabiter who took 3.3%. Table 4.3 presents the findings below.

Table 4.3: Marital status

Frequency Percent Valid Percent Cumulative

Percent
Single 20 66.7 66.7 66.7
Married 5 16.7 16.7 83.3
Divorced 4 13.3 13.3 96.7
Valid
Cohabitatin
1 3.3 3.3 100.0
g
Total 30 100.0 100.0

4.2.4 LEVEL OF EDUCATION

Respondents were asked to indicate their level of education. This section was added so as to

ascertain the level of understanding of the research topic by the respondents. From the findings,

it indicated that, 1 person has completed primary representing 3.3%, 7 respondents had

completed JHS representing 23.3%, 9 respondents had completed SHS representing 30%,

tertiary had 6 respondents representing 20%, vocational had 3 respondents indicating 10% and 4

people noted that, they have not been to school which represents a little of 13.3%. Overall, this

finding portrayed that, a significant number of the respondents are literate that is, they could read

35
 Table 4.4: Level of Education

Frequency Percent Valid Percent Cumulative

Percent
Primary 1 3.3 3.3 3.3
JHS 7 23.3 23.3 26.7
SHS 9 30.0 30.0 56.7
Tertiary 6 20.0 20.0 76.7
Valid
Vocational 3 10.0 10.0 86.7
Not been in
4 13.3 13.3 100.0
school
Total 30 100.0 100.0

and write which further validates this finding. Table 4.4 shows a tabular presentation of the key

findings

To be able to have and solicit for accurate information about the true reflection of the church,

this section was added. This section was meant to solicit for how long respondents have been

members and fellowshipping with the church. Consequently, respondents were made to select

how long they have been at the church in years. This was within 5 years and below, 10 years and

10 years and above. The findings proved that, 6 respondents representing 20% have been

members of the church for at least 5 years and below, 9 people have been church members for 10

years and 15 respondents have been members for 10 years and above indicating 50%. This

finding then showed that, respondents in the survey have been in the church for quite some time

now and hence, they could provide me with the necessary information needed.

36
4.2.5 MEMBERSHIP TENURE

Table 4.5: Membership tenure

Frequency Percent Valid Percent Cumulative

Percent
5 years or below 6 20.0 20.0 20.0
10 years 9 30.0 30.0 50.0
Valid 10 years and
15 50.0 50.0 100.0
above
Total 30 100.0 100.0

4.3 CAUSES OF CHILD STREETISM

To realize the first research objectives of the study, I asked respondents questions on certain

variables which causes child streetism. These variables were poverty, broken homes, abusive

parental punishment, rural-urban migration, parental neglect and alcoholism as well as natural

disasters. As the causes of child streetism are numerous, I limited respondents to these key

determinants of the causes of child streetism. By adopting a Likert scale ranging from strongly

agree, agree, neither agree or disagree, strongly disagree and disagree, respondents were asked to

tick their level of agreement and disagreement to certain statements based on the key indicators

of the causes of child streetism. Table 4.6, shows the mean score rankings of the various

variables under each of the causes of child streetism. The variables were arranged in descending

order of means with the highest mean ranking first and the next highest following suit. From

Table 4. natural disasters had a mean score of 2.50 which is further on ranked first. This

indicates that, out of the listed variables, natural disasters popped up as the main causes of child

streetism. This was followed by rural-urban migration with a mean of 1.83, abusive parenting

had a mean of 1.73, parental neglect and alcoholism ranked fourth with a mean of 1.53, poverty

37
was ranked fifth with a mean score of 1.40 and finally broken homes constituted a mean of 1.33

which was the least and lowest among the causes of child streetism.

Table 4.6 Causes of child streetism

N Minimum Maximum Mean Std. Deviation

Poverty causes child

30 0 5 1.40 1.070
streetism
Broken homes causes
30 1 2 1.33 .479
child streetism
Abusive parenting
30 1 5 1.73 .868
causes child streetism
Rural-urban migration
30 0 5 1.83 1.020
causes child streetism
Parental neglect and
alcoholism causes child 30 1 3 1.53 .730
streetism
Natural disasters causes
30 1 5 2.50 1.280
child streetism
Valid N (list wise) 30

4.4 EFFECTS OF CHILD STREETISM

Following the identified causes above, I further on soughed for information on the effect of child

streetism from my respondents. This was to establish the cause and effect relationship of child

streetism. As the effects of child streetism are many, I tried to limit my scope on the rampant a

pervasive effects of child streetism. These effects ranged from an increase in social vices,

promotion of teenage pregnancy, increase in sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and child

delinquency. Again, this section which seeks to address the second research objective: the effect

of child streetism employed the use of a Likert five-scale range. From table 4.7, it was observed

and analyzed that, a majority of the respondents agreed to child delinquency as a major effect of

child streetism. This had a mean score ranking of 2.20 and hence it is ranked as first. The spread

38
of sexually transmitted diseases was highlighted as the second effect with a mean score of 1.90.

This then points to the fact that, these kids on the street are sexually active who engage in all sort

of unprotected sex. Thirdly, teenage pregnancies were judged as another effect. With a mean

score of 1.53, the findings indicated that, child streetism promotes teenage pregnancy. Increase

in social vices was considered to be fourth with a mean of 1.27. The table below shows the

tabular presentation of the findings.

Table 4.7: Effects of child streetism

N Minimum Maximum Mean Std. Deviation

Child streetism
30 1 2 1.27 .450
increases social vices
Child streetism
promotes teenage 30 1 4 1.53 .730
pregnancy
Child streetism
30 1 5 1.90 .885
increases STDs
Child streetism leads to
30 1 5 2.20 .997
child delinquency
Valid N (list wise) 30

4.5 ROLE OF RELIGIOUS BODIES (CHURCH OF PENTECOST) TO CURB CHILD

STREETISM

As child streetism has been pervasive in our communities, I soughed to ask respondents if there

is a role necessary for religious bodies to play particularly, the church of Pentecost to reduce or

curb the alarming rate of child streetism. Respondents were made to select between a yes or no

responses. The analysis presented in Table 4.8 indicated that, generally, there is a high

percentage present among respondents that, religious bodies and organizations have a role to

play to reduce child streetism. This constituted 90% having 27 respondents choosing yes. The

other 3 responses were left unanswered which took a little of 10%. Scaling it down to my case

39
study which is the Church of Pentecost, 20 respondents answered yes to the question that, the

church of Pentecost must respond to child streetism issues so as to curb this phenomenon. This

took a percentage of 66.7% indicating a convincing level of agreement among the respondents

on the role of the church to curb child streetism. 33.3% representing 10 respondents responded in

the negative. The next determinant was to find out if the church has plans and projects being

implemented to curb child streetism. This had a close contested response among the respondents

surveyed. Out of the 30 respondents administered with the questionnaire, 14 respondents

responded with yes indicating 46.7% whereas 16 respondents responded with no, indicating

53.3%. This analysis suggests that, there is an inadequate plans and projects by the Church of

Pentecost for children on the streets as well as efforts to curb or reduce this phenomenon.

Table 4.8: Role of religious bodies to reduce child streetism

Study Parameter Frequency Percentage (%)

Religious bodies have a role to play

to curb child streetism
YES 27 90
NO - -
N/A 3 10
Church of Pentecost reduces child
streetism
YES 20 66.7
NO 10 33.3
N/A - -

Project by the church to help child

streetism phenomenon
YES 14 46.7

NO 16 53.3
N/A - -

40
4.6 SUGGESTED PLANS AND PROJECT

Following the last question asked, respondents were asked to list a number of plans and projects

of which the church as a body could endeavor to reduce child streetism. The findings indicated

that, there should be more of education. This was noted by respondents to be in the form of

counselling and preaching. This was followed by rehabilitation centers to rehabilitate these kids

in the form of skill training. Funds was also noted to be one key suggestion and plan.

Respondents indicated that, financial assistance is key in curbing child streetism in our

communities. This is presented in the graph below.

41
4.7 DATA ANALYSIS OF QUALITATIVE INTERVIEW

This section of the chapter deals with analysis of the interviews I undertook with one of the

elders in the Oforikrom Church of Pentecost. To further validate the responses from the

respondents who were church members, I further on interviewed one church leader based on the

research objectives of this study which was to find out the causes and effects of child streetism

vis-à-vis the response of the church of Pentecost to this phenomenon. The interview with this

leader was transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis. Thus, I developed some key themes

of which I analyzed the interview under. Analysis of the interview is provided below.

4.8 CAUSES OF CHILD STREETISM

As the interviewee was briefed about the research topic, the researcher further on asked him what

causes child streetism. Subsequently, ‘what causes child streetism’ acts as the first theme in this

section. There are a lot of causes of street children. The causes of child streetism varies from one

person to the other. When asked about the first theme, the respondent had this to say:

Respondent: ‘some of the causes stem from broken homes, bad company and poverty’ 70

This response further on affirm the first analysis of this chapter. This confirms that, the causes of

child streetism runs from broken homes through to bad company and poverty. This suggest that,

these three variables as opined by the respondent are part of the key causes that contributes to

child streetism.

4.9 EFFECTS OF CHILD STREETISM

As the causes of child streetism was identified, it was expedient for the effects of this

phenomenon to be listed. The researcher asked the effects of this phenomenon in three folds

70
An interview with Elder Seth Owusu Adjei, a leader in the Church of Pentecost on 9th October, 2022 in Oforikrom
at 13:00

42
which was: on the church, the community and the children on the street. The respondent had this

to say;

Respondent: ‘the effect of child streetism on the community is that, on the streets, these kids are

left on their own to fend for themselves and in most cases, they fall into bad company like armed

robbery which poses security threat on the community’ 71

On the kids, he espoused that, ‘being on the street impedes the child’s access to education which

puts their future in jeopardy and at risk as education is said to be the key. Also, some kids end

up in prison following their engagement and involvement in all sort of social vices like armed

robbery’ 72

The last effect which was centered on the church, the respondent argued that, ‘as every

organization depends on children for the future, should kids find themselves on the street, and it

prevents the church from having good future leaders. And also, the child streetism phenomenon

put some sort of financial burden on the church, as the church makes donations and other

financial reliefs for these kids on the street’. 73

The above analysis of the interviews brings to the fore the pervasive nature of child streetism. It

was identified in the analysis that, child streetism have an impact and effects on several areas of

the country.

71
An interview with Elder Seth Owusu Adjei, a leader in the Church of Pentecost on 9th October, 2022 in Oforikrom
at 13:00
72
An interview with Elder Seth Owusu Adjei, a leader in the Church of Pentecost on 9th October, 2022 in Oforikrom
at 13:00
73
An interview with Elder Seth Owusu Adjei, a leader in the Church of Pentecost on 9th October, 2022 in Oforikrom
at 13:00

43
4.10 THE RESPONSE OF THE CHURCH OF PENTECOST TO CHILD STREETISM

Following the identified causes and effects, the researcher asked the respondent questions

pertaining to the response of the church of Pentecost to curb the child streetism phenomenon.

This was related to if there is a role to play by religious bodies to curb child streetism through to

plans, projects and programs undertaken by the church to reduce the alarming rate of child

streetism. The respondent had this to say:

Respondent: ‘the church of Pentecost does not have schemes purposely for the children on the

streets but they help the community as a whole. They have schools and hospitals that provides

services for the whole community of which includes children on the street’

He also noted that, occasionally the church of Pentecost goes to the street to street kids by

providing them with some basic needs like food, clothing and sometimes help them with some

funds for upkeep’ 74

The above indicates, although the church of Pentecost do not have any specific plan or project

for street children, these children are still factored in their overall plans. This then suggests that,

the church of Pentecost as a religious body indirectly respond to the child streetism phenomenon

so as to reduce it.

4.11 CHALLENGES FACED BY THE CHURCH OF PENTECOST IN THEIR

RESPONSE TO CHILD STREETISM AND MITIGATION MEASURES

Despite the plans of the church to help curb child streetism, the church of Pentecost nonetheless

faces some challenges in their quest to respond to the streetism phenomenon. When asked about

the challenge the church faces in their response to child streetism, the respondent replied as

follows
74
An interview with Elder Seth Owusu Adjei, a leader in the Church of Pentecost on 9th October, 2022 in Oforikrom
at 13:00

44
Respondent: ‘one key challenge the church faces its response to child streetism phenomenon is

that, the church is unable to meet the needs of these street children holistically. This is due to the

fact that, their needs and problems are most of the time, beyond the capacities of the church like

accommodation and jobs’. 75

To have a full-fledged conclusion on this section, the researcher asked the respondent to suggest

certain solutions to these challenges. These solutions suggested were seen to be a collective

effort. From the views of the respondents he suggested the following;

Respondent: ‘first of all, we have to target the parents. Because, if the parents take

responsibility in raising their children, it will reduce child streetism. Also, there is a need to

intensify education. The church has to intensify education on children upbringing. Then also, if

we can adopt the children and take full responsibility of their upbringing, it will help reduce the

number of street children on the street’.76

The above suggests that, to help curb and reduce the alarming rate of child streetism, it needs a

collective effort from the government, private citizens, non-governmental and governmental

organizations.

4.12 IN CONCLUSION

This chapter discussed the data presentation and analysis of the field data that was gathered. Both

qualitative and quantitative methods were utilized to acquire the data. While the quantitative

method involved members completing surveys, the qualitative method involved an interview

with one of the church leaders. Some conclusions on the church’s approach to child streetism

have been found. The data presentation on the church of Pentecost’s response to child streetism
75
An interview with Elder Seth Owusu Adjei, a leader in the Church of Pentecost on 9th October, 2022 in Oforikrom
at 13:00
76
An interview with Elder Seth Owusu Adjei, a leader in the Church of Pentecost on 9th October, 2022 in Oforikrom
at 13:00

45
detailed the reasons, consequences, and steps implemented to assist slow down or stop the

situation.

46
 CHAPTER FIVE

SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

5.1 INTRODUCTION

Following the analysis of data in chapter four (4), this chapter focuses on the findings of chapter

four by summarizing the findings under the key research objectives of this study. Subsequently,

the chapter will include the summary of the findings, conclusions, recommendations and future

research based on the limitations and conclusion of the study.

5.2 SUMMARY OF FINDINGS

The study sought to find out the response of the church of Pentecost to child streetism.

Subsequently, the research objectives guided the researcher to reach a fruitful finding. These

were I) to find out the major causes of child streetism in Ghana ii) to examine the effect of child

streetism on society and iii) to examine the measures the church of Pentecost puts in place to

help reduce child streetism in Ghana. The study also opined on some key research questions of

which it tailored the study to find answers to. Consequently, the research findings addressed the

research question raised by the researcher in this study. The findings are summarized under the

research objectives as follows:

5.2.1 THE CAUSES OF CHILD OF STREETISM

From the findings of chapter four (4), it was identified under this research objective that, the

causes to child streetism are numerous. It was noted that, these causes vary from persons to

persons. Subsequently, the researcher identified six (6) key variables which was seen to be key

causes of child streetism. These were: broken homes, poverty, abusive parental punishment,

rural-urban migration, parental neglect and alcoholism and natural disasters. Following the

47
administering of questionnaire to respondents and the subsequent SPSS analysis performed on

the data, the findings indicated that, among the variables which causes child streetism, natural

disasters was ranked first as a key cause of child streetism. This was followed by rural-urban

migration, abusive parenting, parental neglect and alcoholism, poverty and broken homes

accordingly. From the qualitative interviews, the findings spelt out poverty, broken homes and

bad company. This then affirms the earlier findings of the SPSS analysis.

5.2.2EFFECTS OF CHILD STREETISM

As numerous as the causes of child streetism is, so is the effects. This effect was seen to be

pervasive and affects all areas of the society. Again, the researcher espoused four (4) key effects

of child streetism. These were: teenage pregnancy, increase in social vices, an increase in

sexually transmitted disease and child delinquency. The analysis from the findings indicated that,

among the above listed variables which was identified by the researcher as effects of child

streetism, child delinquency was seen as a major effect of child streetism. The spread of sexually

transmitted diseases was highlighted as the second major effect among the variable listed

followed by teenage pregnancies and increase in social vices.

5.2.3 THE RESPONSE OF THE CHURCH OF PENTECOST TO CHILD STREETISM

The last research objective centered on the response of the church of Pentecost to the child

streetism phenomenon. The findings indicated that, there was a need for religious bodies to play

a role in curbing child streetism. Following this, the findings indicated that, the church of

Pentecost has been partaking to reducing children on the street. The findings showed that, the

church of Pentecost does not have schemes purposely for the children on the streets but they help

the community as a whole. They have schools and hospitals that provides services for the whole

community of which includes children on the street. Occasionally too, the church of Pentecost

48
goes to the street kids and provide them with some basic needs like food, clothing and sometimes

help them with some funds for upkeep. Despite these responses, the church also faces a series of

challenges in their quest to curb child streetism. This includes the church’s inability to meet the

needs of these street children holistically which usually stem from the fact that, the needs and

problems of these children are beyond the capacities of the church. Suggestions from the

findings to curb streetism stressed on rehabilitation centers, financial support and education.

5.3 CONCLUSION

The main aim of this research study was to find out the response of the Church of Pentecost to

Child Streetism. Child streetism has been identified as a global phenomenon and especially in

developing and third world countries, this phenomenon is very pervasive and devastating which

is detrimental to societies and communities. Due to this, there is a need for a collective effort and

response to curb this phenomenon. The research focus was on religious organizations

particularly, the Church of Pentecost and their response to child streetism. Subsequently, the

causes and effect of this phenomenon were listed and investigated. From the causes, it had

variables like broken homes, parental neglect, abusive parental punishment, natural disasters and

rural-urban migration. The effect was further on seen to impact numerous areas of the

community. This includes teenage pregnancy, increase in social vices, child delinquency and

increase in sexually transmitted disease (STD). Based on the above listed causes and effect, it is

then expedient for institutions and organizations to play a key role to curb and reduce child

streetism. Among all institutions, the church has a vital role to play to reduce this. Thus, having

the Church of Pentecost as a case study, the study noted the various responses of the church to

curb this phenomenon which includes certain plans and projects as well as donations which are

all geared towards finding a lasting solution to child streetism.

49
5.4 RECOMMENDATION

 The church can help eliminate child streetism by occasionally going to the streets to

choose at least some of the children and taking over full duties of the children by

providing shelter, accommodation and education for them.

 The church should instruct parents on how to raise their children properly and how to

assume responsibility by giving them everything they need to survive.

 The media should inform the public about the effects of helping youngsters living on the

streets as well as the need to do so.

 Parents or guardians who fail to uphold their parental duties should face consequences or

receive education on the hazards that exists for both children and adults on the streets.

 The Non- governmental organizations should enhance their financial support and

construct additional schools and training facilities in order to enroll more children who

are eager to learn.

 Women should assist men in caring for the children by providing them with financial

support rather than assuming that only men are responsible for doing so.

 The church should build more clinics and hospitals so that the children who live on the

streets can receive medical attention when they are ill.

5.5 LIMITATION

Despite the forceful nature of the conclusions drawn from the study, there were several

limitations, particularly in the data gathering and processing sections. The small sample size

made it challenging to find meaningful links in the data. Second, because the respondent is a

church leader and the interview was arranged according to certain guidelines, biases could have

developed.

50
 BIBLIOGRAPHY

A Asanbayev, T Kutebayev, and K Khamchiyev, “Streetism Is the Global Trend or the Flipside

of the Developing World,” European Journal of Natural History 5 (2016): 119–21.

Abate, Degu, Addis Eyeberu, Dechasa Adare, Belay Negash, Addisu Alemu, Temam Beshir,

Alemayehu Deressa Wayessa et al. "Health status of street children and reasons for being forced

to live on the streets in Harar, Eastern Ethiopia. Using mixed methods." PloS one 17, no. 3

(2022): e0265601.

Alenoma, Grace. "Parental perspectives on children streetism in Tamale in Ghana." Research on

humanities and social sciences 2, no. 8 (2012): 74-81 Appiah, K. E., P. Osei-Poku, and O.

Adiyaa. "Streetism and its Implications on Learning at the Basic Schools in Somanya,

Ghana." Indiana Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences 3, no. 7 (2022): 1-4.

Alenoma, Grace. "Parental perspectives on children streetism in Tamale in Ghana." Research on

humanities and social sciences 2, no. 8 (2012): 74-81.

AMEKUEDI, Gifty Lebenam. "Addressing child streetism in the La-Nkwantanang madina

municiplaity." PhD diss., KDI School, 2016.

An interview with Elder Seth Owusu Adjei, a leader in the Church of Pentecost on 9 th October,

2022 in Oforikrom at 13:00

Anaman, Parvati. "Life Crisis: The Effects of Streetism on the Ghanaian Child & National

Security." LIFE 1 (2021): 1.

51
Anarfi, John K. "Vulnerability to sexually transmitted disease: street children in Accra." Health

Transition Review 7 (1997): 281-306.

Arthur, Isaac Ishmael. ? STREETISM? Author House, 2013.

Asamoah-Gyadu, Johnson Kwabena. African charismatics: Current developments within

independent indigenous Pentecostalism in Ghana. Vol. 27. Leiden: Brill, 2005.

Asanbayev, A. Zh, T. Zh Kutebayev, and K. M. Khamchiyev. "STREETISM IS THE GLOBAL

TREND OR THE FLIPSIDE OF THE DEVELOPING WORLD." European Journal of Natural

History 5 (2016): 119-121.

Asante, Eric Appau, Stephen Ababio, and Kwadwo Boakye Boadu. "The use of indigenous

cultural practices by the Ashantis for the conservation of forests in Ghana." SAGE Open 7, no. 1

(2017): 2158244016687611

Chauke, Thulani Andrew, and Thiziwilondi Josephine Mudau. "‘‘Why am I here and what does

South Africa new dawn mean for me?” Youth streetism in the City of Polokwane." Journal of

Gender, Information and Development in Africa (JGIDA) 8, no. Special Issue 2 (2019): 181-193.

Corten, André, and Ruth Marshall-Fratani. Between babel and Pentecost: Transnational

Pentecostalism in Africa and Latin America. Indiana University Press, 2001.

Daswani, Girish. Looking back, moving forward: Transformation and ethical practice in the

Ghanaian Church of Pentecost. University of Toronto Press, 2015.

52
Endris, Sofiya, and Galata Sitota. "Causes and Consequences of Streetism among Street Children

in Harar City, Ethiopia." International Journal of Education and Literacy Studies 7, no. 2

(2019): 94-99.

Ennew, Judith, and Jill Swart-Kruger. "Introduction: Homes, places and spaces in the

construction of street children and street youth." Children Youth and Environments 13, no. 1

(2003): 81-104.

Fon, Courage Bobong. "Young people’s views on child abuse in Cameroon." (2018)

Fox, Kristin. "The use of census data for national development planning Focus on the 2010

population and housing census." (2014).

Ghana. Statistical Service. 2000 Population and housing census: Summary report of final results.

Ghana Statistical Service, 2002.

Ghana. Statistical Service. 2010 Population & Housing Census Report: District Analytical

Report: [name of District or Municipal Assembly]. Vol. 6. Ghana Statistical Service, 2013.

Ibrahim, Mohammed Gunu. "Assessing the Challenges and Coping Strategies Adopted by Street

Children of School Going Age in the Tamale Metropolis: Policy Implications." Advances in

Social Sciences Research Journal 8, no. 12 (2021).

Johnson, Charles E. “Art and culture among the Ashanti of Ghana”. Journal of the Arkansas

Academy of Science 24, no. 1 (1970): 18-24

53
Juran, Sabrina, and Rachel Snow. "The potential of the 2010 population and housing census

round for international migration analysis." In Conference on Improving Data Migration, Berlin.

2016.

Kawano, Melanie. "Product of the past: An examination of Ashanti and Dagari Proverbs as a

means of exploring the cultural and societal effects of the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade on the

Dagaaba people and the Ashanti people." (1999).

Kebede, Shimelis Kassa. "The situation of street children in urban centers of Ethiopia and the

role of NGO in addressing their socio-economic problems: the case of Hawassa City." Int J Acad

Res Educ Rev 3, no. 3 (2015): 45-57.

Kefey, Abrha Kiros. "Streetism Onsets, Challenges and Roles Played by Stakeholders to Care

the Street Children: A Case Study of Street Children in Mekelle City."

Kwakye-Opong, Regina. "Beyond ethnic traditions: philosophies and socio-cultural relevance of

the Ashanti and the ewe kente cloths." Research on Humanities and Social Sciences 4, no. 26

(2014): 150-165.

Larbi, Emmanuel Kingsley Kwabena. "Development of Ghanaian Pentecostalism: a study in the

appropriation of the Christian gospel in twentieth century Ghana setting with special reference to

the Christ Apostolic Church, the Church of Pentecost, and the International Central Gospel

Church." (1996).

Lee, Dong-Hoon. "The Household Characteristics and the Housing Condition of Seoul-Focused

on the 2010 Population and Housing Census." Journal of the Architectural Institute of Korea

Planning & Design 28, no. 8 (2012): 91-98.

54
Levanon, Asaf, Paula England, and Paul Allison. "Occupational feminization and pay: Assessing

causal dynamics using 1950–2000 US census data." Social forces 88, no. 2 (2009): 865-891.

McGee, Gary B. "Pentecostal strategies for global mission: A historical assessment." Called and

empowered: Global mission in Pentecostal perspective (2012): 203-224.

McGuire, Martin RP. "The History of the Church from Pentecost to 604: A Survey of Research,

1954–1958." Theological Studies 20, no. 1 (1959): 82-107.

Meyer, Birgit. "The power of money: politics, occult forces, and Pentecostalism in

Ghana." African Studies Review 41, no. 3 (1998): 15-37.

North, James B., and Don Umphrey. A History of the Church: from Pentecost to the Present.

College Press, 1991.

Obeng-Odoom, Franklin. "Street children in cities in Ghana: an insider account." (2015): 879-

881.

Ogunkan, D. V., and A. T. Adeboyejo. "Locational analysis of child streetism in urban

centers." International Journal of Human Capital in Urban Management 6, no. 2 (2021): 159-

172.

Ojelabi, S. A., and O. Oyewole. "Economic factors as correlates of streetism among urban

children in Ibadan metropolis, Nigeria. Dev. Ctry." Stud 2 (2012): 87-93.

Poku-Boansi, Michael, Clifford Amoako, Justice Kufuor Owusu-Ansah, and Patrick Brandful

Cobbinah. "The geography of urban poverty in Kumasi, Ghana." Habitat International 103

(2020): 102220.

55
Tefera, Belay. "The situation of street children in selected cities of South Sudan: Magnitude,

causes, and effects." Eastern Africa Social Science Research Review 31, no. 1 (2015): 63-87.

Tsekpoe, Christian. "'Local species' in African soil: the development of James McKeown's

Mission Models and The Church of Pentecost, Ghana." PhD diss., Middlesex University/Oxford

Centre for Mission Studies, 2020.

Uduigwomen, Godspower Andrew. "History and Impact of Child Streetism in

Calabar, 1943– 2015." Unpublished MA Thesis. Department of History and

International Studies, University of Calabar (2019).

White, Peter. "Missional branding: A case study of the Church of Pentecost." HTS: Theological

Studies 75, no. 4 (2019): 1-7.

Wyatt, Gail Elizabeth, and Stefanie Doyle Peters. "Issues in the definition of child sexual abuse

in prevalence research." Child abuse & neglect 10, no. 2 (1986): 231-240.

56
 INTERVIEW
An interview with Elder Seth Owusu of the Church of Pentecost, Oforifrom, on 5 th October, 2022
at 13:00.

57
 APPENDIX 1

INTERVIEW GUIDE FOR THE PASTOR

My name is Josephine Mensah, BA Religious Studies student from Kwame Nkrumah University

of Science and Technology in Kumasi, Ghana. I am conducting a research on The Response of

the Church of Pentecost to Child Streetism. I humbly solicit your views in order for me to come

out with accurate information. This interview guide is confidential and designed only for the

purpose of academic study. Name and personal identification are not required. This is a

voluntary exercise. You may choose to opt out if you have objections to any of the questions.

Your sincerity and frankness are of great importance to this survey.

SECTION A

DEMOGRAPHY OF THE PASTOR

1. Name

2. Gender

3. Age

SECTION B

4. How long have you been the pastor of the church?

5. Does the church have any charity home for orphans?

58
6. Have you heard of child streetism? ( yes or no)

7. What are some of the causes of child streetism?

8. What are some of the effects of child streetism?

9. Do you think it is necessary for religious bodies to play a role in curbing child streetism?

10. What are some of the projects and plans that the church of Pentecost has put in place to

assist street children?

11. How many of these plans has the church been able to complete?

12. Has the church engaged in any recent community projects for those children on the

streets?

13. In your view, do you think child streetism has any impact on the church?

14. What are some of the challenges the church faces in their quest to curb child streetism?

15. In your view, what are some solutions that will help solve this challenge?

59
 APPENDIX 2

INTERVIEW GUIDE FOR THE COMMUNITY MEMBERS

My name is Josephine Mensah, BA Religious Studies student from Kwame Nkrumah University

of Science and Technology in Kumasi, Ghana. I am conducting a research on The Response of

the Church of Pentecost on Child Steetism. I humbly solicit your views in order for me to come

out with accurate information. This questionnaire is confidential and designed only for the

purpose of academic study. Name and personal identification are not required. This is a

voluntary exercise. You may choose to opt out if you have objections to any of the questions.

Your sincerity and frankness are of great importance to this survey.

SECTION A

Demography of Respondents

1. Gender: Male [ ] Female [ ]

2. Age: a. 15-20 [ ] b. 21-30 [ ] c. 31-45 [ ]

3. Marital status: a. Single [ ] b. Married [ ] c. Divorced [ ] d. Cohabiting

4. Level of education: a. Primary [ ] b. JHS [ ] c. SHS [ ] d. Tertiary [ ] e. Vocational [ ] f.

Not been in school before [ ]

5. How long have you been a member of this church: a. 5 years or below [ ] b. 10 years [ ]

c. 10 years and above [ ]

60
 6. Have you heard of child streetism? a. Yes [ ] b. No [ ]

SECTION B

CAUSES OF CHILD STREETISM

Please indicate how much you agree or disagree with the following statements about child
streetism by ticking one box on each row:

Neither

Agree Agree agree nor Disagree Disagree

strongly strongly
disagree

7. Poverty is major cause of child streetism.

8. Broken homes constitutes a key factor to

child streetism.

9. Abusive parental punishment is another

cause of child streetism.

10. Rural-urban migration is also a key factor

of child streetism.

11. Parental neglect and alcoholism are also

factors contributing to child streetism.

12. Natural disasters, another cause of child

streetism.

EFFECTS OF CHILD STREETISM

61
Please indicate how much you agree or disagree with the following statements about child
streetism by ticking one box on each row:

Neither

Agree Agree agree nor Disagree Disagree

strongly strongly
disagree

13. Child streetism leads to an increase in

social vices.

14. Child streetism promotes teenage

pregnancies

15. Child streetism leads to increase in sexually

transmitted diseases

16. Streetism leads to child delinquency

SECTION C

17. Does religious bodies have a role to play in curbing child streetism? a. Yes [ ] b. No [ ]

18. Does the church of Pentecost contributes a lot towards reducing child streetism

phenomenon? a. Yes [ ] b. No [ ]

19. Have you heard of any projects the church of Pentecost have made to help children on the

streets? a. Yes [ ] b. No[ ]

20. What are some of the plans and projects do you think the church can put in place to help

reduce child streetism.

62