The Ghana Immigration Service has arrested 2,241 undocumented foreign nationals, including over 1,300 children in a special operation targeting organized street begging in Accra.
The operation, which began in the early hours of Friday, May 16, 2025, formed part of a nationwide effort to address growing concerns over illegal migration and its link to street-level exploitation, particularly involving children.
Among those arrested were 909 adults and 1,332 minors. The gender breakdown shows 961 males and 1,280 females detained during the coordinated action.
Authorities say the operation was conducted with sensitivity, particularly in dealing with the children involved.
Officials are currently assessing the situation to determine next steps, including possible repatriation, child protection referrals, and collaboration with foreign missions.
“We are still evaluating the outcomes of this operation and will provide further details in due course,” said M. Amoako-Atta, Assistant Commissioner of Immigration and Head of Public Affairs at GIS.
The GIS has not disclosed the nationalities of those arrested, but emphasised that the operation targeted individuals without proper documentation who were found engaging in begging and loitering on the streets.
