"We will clear beggars, prostitutes from city streets" - Interior Minister vows

The Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, has declared a nationwide crackdown on beggars and sex workers operating on the streets of major cities, describing their presence as a growing national security concern.

Speaking during a working visit to the Northern Region on Thursday, May 22, the minister announced that the operation will be rolled out in five major cities, including Tamale, as part of broader efforts to restore law, order, and public decency.

Muntaka made the remarks at the commissioning of a new four-storey, 24-unit apartment complex built by the State Housing Company for officers of the Ghana Immigration Service in Tamale.

“We are not only seeking to beautify our cities but to ensure that our streets are safe and dignified for all residents,” he stated.

The Asawase MP disclosed that a recent operation in Accra led to the arrest of over 2,000 foreign nationals engaged in street begging, with nearly half already repatriated.

The remaining individuals, he noted, are expected to be processed and removed by the end of the week.

He also issued a firm warning to sex workers operating openly on the streets, insisting that they too will face removal and repatriation if found to be in the country illegally.

“The beggars are not just a nuisance; they pose a serious threat to national security,” the minister asserted.

"We will not rest until every one of them, including prostitutes parading on our streets, is removed. They can choose to leave voluntarily or face forceful removal.”

The Interior Minister emphasized that the operation will be carried out in close coordination with security agencies and relevant stakeholders to ensure it is effective and humane.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith