The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) in the Ashanti Region has arrested 606 undocumented migrants in a major operation targeting exploitative street begging networks in Kumasi.
The exercise, conducted in the early hours of Tuesday, April 21, 2026, forms part of ongoing efforts by the Service to clamp down on organised street begging and human trafficking activities across the country.
In a statement signed by the Head of Public Affairs, Deputy Commissioner of Immigration Maud Anima Quainoo, the Regional Command carried out the operation across key areas including Asawase, Alabar, Akwatia Line, Dagomba Line, Sabon Zongo and Aboabo.
The operation, which began at about 03:30 hours, led to the arrest of 606 individuals, comprising 381 children, 72 females and 153 males. Authorities say many of those picked up were vulnerable to exploitation, including forced begging and trafficking.
The GIS indicated that the exercise forms part of a broader nationwide campaign to address the growing presence of street begging syndicates in major cities.
The Service referenced a similar operation carried out on April 15, 2026, in parts of Greater Accra, including Abossey Okai, Zongo Junction, Nima, Madina and Kaneshie, which resulted in the repatriation of 356 West African nationals to their home countries, including Niger, Nigeria and Burkina Faso.
GIS emphasised that its operations respect the ECOWAS Free Movement Protocol, noting that the focus is strictly on illegal and exploitative activities, not legitimate movement within the sub-region.
As part of its interventions, the Service collaborated with the Nigerian High Commission in Accra to assist 89 Nigerian nationals in securing travel documentation before handing them over to anti-human trafficking authorities in Nigeria.
The Service has also engaged various African embassies in Accra to ensure a coordinated and humane approach in handling affected individuals, particularly children and other vulnerable persons.
The Comptroller-General of Immigration, Samuel Basintale Amadu, reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to enforcing immigration laws while upholding regional obligations.
“GIS remains resolute in safeguarding Ghana’s borders and enforcing immigration laws while honouring ECOWAS commitments. We balance regional integration with robust action against trafficking and exploitation,” he stated.
The public has also been reminded that street begging is prohibited under Ghana’s Beggars and Destitute Act, 1969 (NLCD 392), with offenders liable to fines, imprisonment of up to three months, or both.
GIS has urged citizens to report suspicious activities involving foreign nationals to the nearest immigration office as efforts continue to dismantle street begging networks.
READ ALSO:
Agave-Lakpo kingmakers destool Afevime Gate sub chief over insubordination
GCMC flags safety risks as 30% of gas cylinders fail inspection under the recirculation model
