A decisive early morning operation aimed at curbing irregular migration and dismantling street crime networks, saw the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has detained 2,241 undocumented foreign nationals in the capital city, Accra. Among them are more than 1,300 children believed to be at risk of exploitation.
Operation Targets Migration-Linked Crime and Street Begging
The large-scale sweep focused on densely populated urban neighborhoods such as Sabon Zongo, Nima, Abossey Okai, and the Obetsebi Lamptey Roundabout—areas often associated with increased street begging and informal migrant settlements.
The operation resulted in the apprehension of 909 adults—384 men and 525 women—and 1,332 children, comprising 577 boys and 755 girls. Authorities believe many of the children may have been trafficked or used for forced begging in and around the capital.
Medical and Security Screenings Underway
All detainees have been moved to the Ghana Immigration Service National Headquarters in Accra for comprehensive medical and security screenings. The screenings are a mandatory part of the process ahead of their expected repatriation.
Speaking to the press, Assistant Commissioner of Immigration Amoako-Atta emphasized that the operation is being carried out with strict adherence to professional standards and human rights protocols.
“They are currently being taken through the necessary processes, including security and medical screening,” he said. “The focus is not only on national security but also on the protection and dignity of vulnerable individuals, especially children.”
Addressing Migration from the Sahel Region
Authorities link the surge in undocumented migrants in Ghana to deepening instability in the Sahel region, including parts of Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, and northern Nigeria. As conflict and poverty worsen across these regions, migration flows into West African urban centers like Accra have increased, often without legal documentation or safety for those involved.
The GIS suspects that organized criminal networks are facilitating the illegal entry and exploitation of migrants, with many children ending up on the streets as beggars or laborers.
Commitment to Rule of Law and Public Safety
The Immigration Service reiterated its commitment to safeguarding public safety while protecting the rights of all individuals, including foreign nationals. The recent operation, while assertive, is part of a broader policy framework aimed at regulating migration and ensuring lawful residence and employment.
“We urge the public to support our efforts to maintain national security while also extending compassion to those who may be victims of trafficking or displacement,” a GIS spokesperson added.
Broader Efforts to Tackle Irregular Migration
Ghana has increasingly been working with regional partners and international organizations to curb irregular migration and human trafficking. The Ministry of the Interior has previously signaled plans to implement stronger community outreach and reintegration programs for returning migrants, especially women and children.
With this operation, the GIS aims not only to enforce immigration law but also to bring public attention to the growing humanitarian concerns around migration, child protection, and urban poverty.
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