The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has reiterated that begging for both citizens and non-citizens is prohibited.
Citing the Beggars and Destitute Act, 1969 (NLCD 392), it stated that offenders are liable to lines, imprisonment of up to three months, or both.
This caution follows the rescue of 606 undocumented migrants on the streets of Kumasi who are often engaged in street begging.
In a statement, it said it had engaged various African diplomatic missions in Accra to ensure coordinated and humane interventions, particularly for the protection of vulnerable children and destitute persons.
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.”
It also urged the public to report suspicious activities involving foreign nationals to the nearest GIS office.
Raid
In an intelligence-led operation conducted on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, the GIS rescued 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.
Out of a total of 606 individuals rounded up, 381 were children, 72 were females, and 153 were males.
Many of those rescued are believed to be victims of human trafficking and forced begging.
Story by Hajara Fuseini
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Source:
opemsuo.com