Undocumented migrants endure harsh weather awaiting repatriation

Hundreds of undocumented migrants are being held by the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) in Accra. They were arrested during a swoop on Friday, May 16. These migrants are waiting to be sent back to their home countries.

Conditions at the GIS headquarters are harsh. Many, including children, sleep outside without mattresses or lights. Canopies and mobile toilets have been set up, but they are not enough. Mosquitoes are a problem, and crying children can be heard throughout the area.

A visit by Channel One News at 7:04 p.m. confirmed that the migrants remain in custody. Superintendent Michael Amoako-Atta from GIS had earlier stated that all detainees would be deported by the end of the day. However, it is unclear where they will sleep if transportation does not arrive.

The operation resulted in the arrest of 2,241 undocumented migrants. GIS described them as foreign beggars. The arrests took place across eleven locations in Accra. Among those detained were 384 adult males, 525 adult females, 577 male children, and 755 female children.

The GIS has not provided a timeline for completing the repatriation process.