Ghana Immigration Arrests Over 2,200 in Major Crackdown on Street Begging
The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has launched a large-scale operation across Accra aimed at removing undocumented foreign nationals involved in street begging. The operation, which took place in the early hours of Friday, May 16, 2025, led to the arrest of 2,241 individuals.
The coordinated sweep targeted known hotspots including Sabon Zongo, Nima, Abossey Okai, and the Obetsebi Roundabout. Those detained include 909 adults (384 men and 525 women) and 1,332 children (577 boys and 755 girls).
According to ACI Michael Amoako-Atta, Head of Public Affairs at GIS, the initiative is part of a broader effort to dismantle illegal networks that exploit migrants for profit.
“We have credible information that some of these individuals are being used by criminal syndicates involved in human trafficking and transnational crimes,” he told GTV. “This operation is a necessary step to protect public safety and uphold migration laws.”
Following their arrest, all detainees are being processed at the GIS National Headquarters, where they are undergoing medical and security screening. GIS has confirmed ongoing collaboration with foreign embassies to facilitate repatriation in a lawful and humane manner.
“We engaged with the relevant embassies before launching this operation, and they’re cooperating to ensure smooth repatriation,” Amoako-Atta said, noting previous repatriation efforts handled diplomatically.
Authorities also expressed concern over a rising trend of Ghanaian schoolchildren engaging in street begging, particularly at traffic intersections.
“This lifestyle is becoming attractive to some local youth,” Amoako-Atta warned. “We cannot allow our children to abandon their education for the streets.”
The GIS emphasized that all detainees will be treated with dignity and respect throughout the process. The agency also signaled that similar operations will continue as part of efforts to maintain a secure and orderly urban environment.
