Child Rights International condemns GIS's arrest of street children, says it's human rights violation

Child Rights International (CRI) is a Non-Governmental Organisation. They have condemned the recent evacuation by the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS). CRI calls it a serious violation of child protection standards. They believe it requires urgent attention.

The operation took place on May 16, 2025. Over 2,000 street beggars were arrested in urban areas. Key locations included Kaneshie, Abossey Okai, and Kwame Nkrumah Circle. Alarmingly, nearly 60 percent of those arrested were children. Many are believed to be foreign nationals.

Bright Kweku Appiah is CRI’s Executive Director. He criticized the treatment of children as immigration offenders. He emphasized that street begging is a serious issue. However, it should be addressed with a child-centered approach.

“This is not just a policy failure; it’s a national emergency,” Appiah stated. He stressed that vulnerable children deserve protection, not punishment. CRI urged the government to find humane solutions for affected children.

They recommended several actions: comprehensive bio-data registration for minors, collaboration with countries of origin, tighter border surveillance, and specific reintegration protocols for children. Mr. Appiah highlighted the need for immediate government action.

He warned that inaction would worsen social injustice and harm Ghana’s integrity. “Leaving children on the streets is an economic and moral failure,” he said.

CRI remains committed to advocating for vulnerable children. They called for national dialogue on sustainable solutions to end child streetism in Ghana.