• Posted On: April 24, 2026
• Posted By: admin_admin

1. The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS), through its Ashanti Regional Command, has
conducted an intelligence-led operation in the early hours of Tuesday, 21st April 2026, to
rescue undocumented migrants from exploitative street begging networks in Kumasi.
The operation, which commenced at 03:30 hours, targeted identified hotspots including
Asawase, Alabar, Akwatia Line, Dagomba Line, Sabon Zongo, and Aboabo.

2. A total of 606 individuals were rounded up, comprising 381 children, 72 females, and 153
males. Many of those rescued are believed to be victims of human trafficking and forced
begging.

3. This exercise forms part of a nationwide GIS campaign to address the growing menace of
organised street begging networks across the country.

4. In a related operation on 15th April 2026 in parts of the Greater Accra Region—including
Abossey Okai, Zongo Junction, Nima, Madina, and Kaneshie—the Service facilitated the
safe repatriation of 356 West African nationals to their home countries, namely Niger,
Nigeria, and Burkina Faso.
In line with the ECOWAS Free Movement Protocol, which guarantees visa-free travel,
residence, and establishment rights for citizens of Member States, GIS emphasises that
these operations are targeted at criminal exploitation and irregularities, not legitimate
regional mobility.

5. The Service, in collaboration with the Nigerian High Commission in Accra, assisted 89
Nigerian nationals to regularise their documentation and facilitated their handover to
relevant anti-human trafficking authorities in Nigeria.
The GIS has also engaged various African diplomatic missions in Accra to ensure
coordinated and humane interventions, particularly for the protection of vulnerable
children and destitute persons.

6. The Comptroller-General of Immigration, Mr. Samuel Basintale Amadu, reaffirmed the
Service’s commitment, stating:
“The Ghana Immigration Service remains resolute in safeguarding Ghana’s borders and
enforcing immigration laws, while upholding our obligations under the ECOWAS
Protocol. We will continue to strike a balance between regional integration and decisive
action against trafficking and exploitation.”

7. The public is reminded that the Beggars and Destitute Act, 1969 (NLCD 392), prohibits
street begging by both citizens and non-citizens. Offenders are liable to fines,
imprisonment of up to three months, or both.

8. Members of the public are encouraged to report suspicious activities involving foreign
nationals to the nearest GIS office.