1,332 children among 2,241 foreign beggars arrested in Accra swoop

The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has arrested 2,241 foreign nationals. This was part of an operation to remove street beggars in Accra.

The operation occurred on Friday morning, May 16. It targeted areas like Kotoka International Airport, Madina, and Kaneshie. Other locations included Kwame Nkrumah Circle and Abossey Okai.

This effort aims to address illegal street begging and security threats. At a press briefing, Michael Amoako-Atta confirmed the arrests. They included 384 adult males, 525 adult females, 577 male children, and 755 female children.

“These individuals are being profiled,” he said. Buses have been arranged for their repatriation after profiling is complete.

The GIS noted that foreign street beggars raise social and security concerns. The operation seeks to restore order in public spaces and enforce migration laws.

Officials stated that the profiling will identify the nationalities of those arrested. It will also check if any have legal status in Ghana.

The GIS reaffirmed its commitment to internal security and humane migration management.