The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has apprehended 1,055 people, including 662 children, in an intelligence-led operation targeting suspected human trafficking and exploitative street begging networks in the Greater Accra and Ashanti regions.
The operation, conducted in the early hours of Saturday, August 29, 2026, targeted suspected criminal syndicates allegedly using organised begging as a cover to traffic, control and exploit vulnerable foreign nationals, particularly women and children.
According to a statement issued by the GIS, the operation covered several street-begging hotspots across Accra, including Abossey Okai, Sabon Zongo, Madina Zongo Junction, Madina, Ashaiman and Tema.
In the Ashanti Region, the exercise covered major communities within the Kumasi Metropolis, including Asawase, Aboabo, Alabar, Akwatia Line, Dagomba Line, Sabon Zongo and Airport Junction.
The Immigration Service said more than 1,000 West African nationals suspected of engaging in illicit activities were apprehended during the operation. Several Ghanaians were also identified as suspected local agents allegedly facilitating the exploitative begging networks.
Of the 1,055 people apprehended, 662 were children, 145 were men and 248 were women.
The GIS said the number of children rescued highlights growing concerns about the trafficking and exploitation of minors for forced begging on Ghanaian streets.
The Service described the operation as part of its broader efforts to rescue victims, protect vulnerable persons and dismantle networks suspected of being involved in human trafficking and exploitative street begging.
Investigations are ongoing to establish the identities of individuals allegedly behind the networks and determine the appropriate action against those found to have facilitated or participated in the activities.
The rescued individuals have been transferred to a designated holding centre for profiling and immigration processing in accordance with established protocols.
The GIS said it is working with relevant stakeholders, including the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, to ensure that victims, particularly children, receive appropriate care, protection and support throughout the removal process.
The Service said the operation builds on previous enforcement actions and demonstrates its continued commitment to combating human trafficking, enforcing immigration laws and protecting the dignity and rights of people within Ghana’s borders.
The GIS also expressed concern about the growing incidence of migrant street begging, which it said contravenes Section 2(1) of the Beggars and Destitutes Act, 1969 (NLCD 392), and Section 8(1)(b) of the Ghana Immigration Service Act, 2011 (Act 750).
The Service has consequently called on Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) to support its continued efforts to address migrant street begging.
Comptroller General of Immigration Samuel Basintale Amadu also urged the public to refrain from giving alms directly to migrant beggars, particularly children.
“Removing financial incentives reduces the profitability of organised begging and discourages traffickers from exploiting vulnerable persons on the streets,” the GIS stated.
The Service encouraged members of the public who wish to support vulnerable individuals to channel donations through the Department of Social Welfare, recognised children’s homes, credible non-governmental organisations or other authorised charitable organisations.
By:Rachael Djabakie