The Ghana Immigration Service has conducted an intelligence-led anti-trafficking operation to rescue victims and disrupt exploitative street begging networks.
A statement signed by the Head of Public Affairs of the Ghana Immigration Service, Maud Anima Quainoo, said the operation was carried out in the early hours of Wednesday, April 15, 2026, targeting the exploitation of foreign nationals through organised street begging, a practice often used by criminal networks to traffic and control vulnerable individuals, particularly women and children.
The exercise focused on rescuing affected persons and ensuring compliance with Ghana’s immigration laws within the Greater Accra Region, including Abossey Okai, Zongo Junction, Nima, Madina, and Kaneshie.
A total of 305 West African nationals were encountered during the operation, comprising 113 children, 66 adult women, and 126 adult men. Of the children rescued, 36 are male and 77 are female, highlighting concerns about the vulnerability of minors in such exploitative arrangements.
All rescued persons are currently undergoing profiling and immigration procedures at a dedicated centre in line with established protocols. The Service is also working with relevant stakeholders to ensure that victims, especially children, receive appropriate care, protection, and support.
The operation builds on previous exercises aimed at dismantling networks that facilitate exploitation of foreign nationals under the guise of street begging.
The Service says it remains committed to combating human trafficking, protecting vulnerable migrants, and promoting lawful and orderly migration. It has also urged the public to report suspicious activities related to human trafficking and organised street begging to the nearest Immigration Office.
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