The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has intensified its efforts to dismantle organised street begging networks, rescuing hundreds of undocumented migrants in a major early morning operation across parts of the Ashanti Region.
The intelligence-led exercise, carried out by the service’s Ashanti Regional Command at approximately 3:30 a.m. last Tuesday, targeted known hotspots in Kumasi, including Asawase, Alabar, Akwatia Line, Dagomba Line, Sabon Zongo and Aboabo.
Authorities said the operation formed part of a broader nationwide campaign to curb the rising incidence of exploitative street begging syndicates.
In total, 606 individuals were rounded up during the swoop. Among them were 381 children, 72 women and 153 men.
Officials believed many of those rescued are victims of human trafficking and forced begging, highlighting the vulnerability of migrants — particularly minors within these networks.
The latest crackdown follows a similar operation on April 15 in parts of the Greater Accra Region, including Abossey Okai, Zongo Junction, Nima, Madina and Kaneshie.
That exercise resulted in the safe repatriation of 356 West African nationals to their countries of origin, namely Niger, Nigeria and Burkina Faso.
Enforcement, human rights
Despite the enforcement actions, the GIS emphasised that its operations were not aimed at restricting lawful movement within the sub-region.
Under the ECOWAS Free Movement Protocol, citizens of member states are entitled to visa-free travel, residence and establishment.
The GIS clarified that its focus remained on criminal exploitation and immigration irregularities rather than legitimate migration.
As part of ongoing interventions, the GIS has collaborated with diplomatic missions to ensure humane treatment and proper reintegration of affected individuals.
In one such initiative, the service worked with the Nigerian High Commission in Accra to assist 89 Nigerian nationals in regularising their documentation before facilitating their transfer to anti-human trafficking authorities in Nigeria.
Speaking on the development, the Comptroller-General of Immigration, Samuel Basintale Amadu, reaffirmed the service’s dual commitment to enforcement and human rights.
“The Ghana Immigration Service remains resolute in safeguarding Ghana’s borders and enforcing immigration laws, while upholding our obligations under the ECOWAS protocol,” he stated.
“We will continue to strike a balance between regional integration and decisive action against trafficking and exploitation.”
The service also reminded the public of the provisions of the Beggars and Destitute Act, 1969 (NLCD 392), which prohibits street begging by both citizens and non-citizens.
Offenders risk fines, imprisonment of up to three months or both.
The GIS urged the public to support ongoing efforts by reporting suspicious activities involving foreign nationals to the nearest immigration office.
According to the service, the latest operation underscored growing concerns about organised begging rings in urban centres and signalled a renewed commitment by authorities to protect vulnerable populations, while maintaining law and order.
Source:
www.graphic.com.gh
