GIS rescues 606 undocumented migrants in A/R street begging crackdown

The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) conducted a major intelligence-led operation through its Ashanti Regional Command in the early hours of Tuesday, April 21, 2026, to rescue undocumented migrants from exploitative street begging networks in Kumasi.

The operation, which commenced at 03:30 hours, targeted several identified hotspots where these networks were known to operate. A total of 606 individuals were rounded up during the exercise.

The group comprised:

• 381 children

• 153 males

• 72 females

The operation focused on key areas in the metropolis, including Asawase, Alabar, Akwatia Line, Dagomba Line, Sabon Zongo, and Aboabo. Many of those rescued are believed to be victims of organized human trafficking and forced begging.

The Ghana Immigration Service says the exercise is part of a broader, nationwide campaign aimed at addressing the growing menace of organized street begging networks across Ghana. 

A similar operation conducted on April 15, 2026, in the Greater Accra Region resulted in the successful repatriation of 356 West African nationals to Niger, Nigeria, and Burkina Faso.

Moreover, the GIS collaborated with the Nigerian High Commission in Accra to facilitate the regularization of documentation for 89 Nigerian nationals and their transfer to relevant anti-human trafficking authorities in Nigeria.

According to the GIS, under the Beggars and Destitute Act, 1969 (NLCD 392), street begging is prohibited for both citizens and non-citizens. Offenders face penalties including fines, imprisonment for up to three months, or both.