The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has apprehended more than 1,055 persons in an intelligence-led operation targeting exploitative street begging networks in the Greater Accra and Ashanti regions.
The Service also rescued victims in the operation, which took place in the early hours of Saturday, August 29, 2026. Those apprehended included 662 children, 145 men and 248 women.
The exercise was targeted at criminal networks allegedly using begging as a front to traffic and exploit vulnerable foreign nationals, particularly women and children. Several Ghanaians were also apprehended on suspicion of acting as local agents involved in the exploitative begging networks.
In a statement, the GIS named the key hotspots covered in the Greater Accra Region as Abossey Okai, Sabon Zongo, Madina Zongo Junction, Madina, Ashaiman and Tema. In the Kumasi Metropolis, apprehensions took place in Asawase, Alabar, Akwatia Line, Dagomba Line, Sabon Zongo, Airport Junction and Aboabo.
The GIS said the significant number of minors rescued raised serious concerns about child vulnerability within exploitative begging systems, describing the development as part of a growing pattern of child trafficking for forced begging on Ghanaian streets.
In the course of the operation, a Nigerian woman among those apprehended reported feeling unwell and was examined by the medical team assigned to the exercise. The team discovered she was in labour and transferred her to a nearby medical facility, where she delivered a baby girl. The woman remains under medical observation and is receiving appropriate care.
The GIS said all rescued persons had been transferred to a designated holding centre for profiling and immigration processing in line with established protocols. "The Service is collaborating closely with relevant stakeholders including the Ministry of Gender and Social Protection to ensure that victims, especially children, receive appropriate care, protection, and support throughout the removal process," the statement said.
The operation, according to the GIS, follows previous major enforcement actions and demonstrates its continued commitment to combating human trafficking, enforcing immigration laws and safeguarding the dignity and rights of persons within Ghana.
Meanwhile, the Comptroller General of Immigration, Samuel Basintale Amadu, has urged the public to refrain from giving alms directly to migrant beggars, especially children. "Removing financial incentives reduces the profitability of organised begging and discourages traffickers from exploiting vulnerable persons on the streets," he said.
The GIS encouraged the public to channel any donations to vulnerable individuals through the Department of Social Welfare, recognised children's homes, credible non-governmental organisations or other authorised charitable organisations.
