GIS intensifies crackdown on exploitative migrant street begging networks in Ashanti Region

The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has stepped up its nationwide clampdown on exploitative migrant street begging networks, with the latest operation in the Ashanti Region leading to the rescue of more than 600 undocumented migrants from the streets of Kumasi.

In a statement issued by the Public Affairs Department, the GIS said officers from the Ashanti Regional Command embarked on a major intelligence-led operation in the early hours of Tuesday, April 21, 2026, targeting suspected hotspots for organised street begging.

The exercise, which commenced at about 3:30 a.m., covered several communities including Asawase, Alabar, Akwatia Line, Dagomba Line, Sabon Zongo and Aboabo.

According to the Service, a total of 606 persons were rounded up during the operation. They comprised 381 children, 72 females and 153 males, many of whom are believed to be vulnerable to human trafficking and forced street begging.

GIS explained that the latest exercise forms part of an ongoing national campaign to dismantle organised street begging syndicates, which have reportedly become more widespread in parts of the country in recent years.

The Service recalled that a similar raid conducted on April 15, 2026, in parts of Greater Accra — including Abossey Okai, Zongo Junction, Nima, Madina and Kaneshie — resulted in the repatriation of 356 West African nationals to their respective countries, namely Niger, Nigeria and Burkina Faso.

While reaffirming Ghana’s commitment to the ECOWAS Free Movement Protocol, GIS stressed that the operations are not targeted at lawful migrants, but rather at criminal exploitation, trafficking and violations of immigration laws.

The Service noted that it has been working closely with diplomatic missions, including the Nigerian High Commission in Accra, to ensure humane and lawful handling of affected persons.

It said 89 Nigerian nationals arrested in earlier operations were assisted to secure travel documents before being handed over to anti-human trafficking authorities in Nigeria.

GIS further disclosed that several African embassies in Accra have been informed of the ongoing rescue efforts as part of coordinated interventions to protect migrant children and other vulnerable persons living on the streets.

Comptroller-General of Immigration, Samuel Basintale Amadu, reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to enforcing immigration laws while respecting regional obligations.

“GIS remains resolute in safeguarding Ghana’s borders and enforcing immigration laws, while honouring ECOWAS commitments. We balance regional integration with robust action against trafficking and exploitation,” he stated.

The Service also reminded the public that Ghana’s Beggars and Destitute Act, 1969 (NLCD 392), prohibits street begging by both citizens and foreigners. Violators may face fines, imprisonment of up to three months, or both.

GIS has therefore urged members of the public to report suspicious activities involving foreign nationals to the nearest immigration office.

The statement was signed by Deputy Commissioner of Immigration, Maud Anima Quainoo, of the Public Affairs Department.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith