The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has arrested 1,055 people in an intelligence-led operation targeting organised street begging in Accra and Kumasi.
The operation, conducted on Saturday, August 29, 2026, targeted suspected human trafficking networks allegedly exploiting women and children for street begging.
Those arrested included 662 children, 248 women and 145 men. The operation covered several areas in Accra, including Abossey Okai, Madina, Ashaiman and Tema, as well as parts of Kumasi.
GIS said the rescued persons, mostly West African nationals, have been taken to a holding centre for profiling and immigration processing. The Service is also working with the Ministry of Gender and Social Protection to provide care and protection, especially for the children.
In a separate incident, a Nigerien woman arrested during the operation was found to be in labour. She was taken to a health facility where she delivered a baby girl.
The Comptroller General of Immigration, Samuel Basintale Amadu, has urged the public not to give money directly to migrant beggars, particularly children, saying such donations encourage organised begging and human trafficking.
He advised the public to support vulnerable persons through recognised charities, children’s homes, NGOs and the Department of Social Welfare.
Ghana|Atinkaonline.com
