GIS rescues 305 foreign nationals in second phase of anti-street begging operation

The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has rescued 305 West African nationals, including 113 children, in the second phase of an intelligence-led operation targeting suspected human trafficking networks operating under the guise of street begging in parts of the Greater Accra Region. The operation highlights growing concerns over cross-border trafficking and the exploitation of vulnerable migrants in urban centres.

The operation, carried out in the early hours of Wednesday, April 15, 2026, covered key locations including Abossey Okai, Zongo Junction, Nima, Madina and Kaneshie. These areas are known for high pedestrian activity, making them hotspots for organised street begging activities.

Speaking in a statement, the GIS said the exercise forms part of sustained efforts to dismantle organised networks exploiting vulnerable migrants, particularly women and children, for street begging. Authorities note that such networks often involve coercion, deception, and control mechanisms that prevent victims from escaping.

“The operation clamped down on the exploitation of foreign nationals through organised street begging — a practice often used by criminal networks to traffic and control vulnerable individuals,” the statement signed by Deputy Commissioner of Immigration Maud Anima Quainoo, Head of Public Affairs, noted.

Out of the 305 persons rescued, 113 were children, made up of 36 boys and 77 girls. The rest include 66 adult women and 126 adult men. The high proportion of children has raised alarm among child protection advocates, who warn of the long-term psychological and physical impact of such exploitation.

The Service said the high number of minors involved highlights growing concerns about the exploitation of children within such networks, adding that all rescued persons are currently undergoing profiling and immigration processing at a dedicated facility. The process is expected to determine their identities, nationalities, and circumstances under which they were trafficked.

GIS explained that it is working with relevant stakeholders to ensure that victims, especially children, receive appropriate care, protection and support while investigations continue. This includes collaboration with social welfare agencies, international organisations, and law enforcement partners.

The operation builds on an earlier phase of similar enforcement activity, with the Service noting that intelligence-led coordination has been strengthened to better identify and dismantle trafficking and exploitation rings operating in urban centres. Officials say improved surveillance and inter-agency cooperation have played a key role in the success of the operation.

“The Service remains committed to combating human trafficking, protecting vulnerable migrants, and promoting lawful and orderly migration,” the statement added.

GIS has meanwhile urged the public to support ongoing efforts by reporting suspected cases of human trafficking and organised street begging to the nearest Immigration Office. Public cooperation, the Service says, is critical in identifying and disrupting such criminal networks.

The Service says it will provide further updates as investigations and processing of the rescued individuals continue. The outcome of the investigations could lead to arrests and prosecution of those behind the trafficking operations.