GIS Arrests 606 Migrants In Kumasi Anti-Begging Operation
Large-scale early morning operation targets street begging networks across Kumasi, leading to the arrest of 606 undocumented migrants
- GIS arrested 606 undocumented migrants in a major anti-begging operation in Kumasi
- The early morning raid targeted several hotspots linked to street begging networks
- The operation forms part of efforts to curb exploitation and human trafficking activities
The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) in the Ashanti Region has arrested 606 undocumented migrants in a large-scale operation aimed at dismantling exploitative street begging and trafficking networks in Kumasi.
The early morning operation, carried out on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, is part of a sustained nationwide effort to curb organised street begging and related human trafficking activities.
According to a statement from the Head of Public Affairs, Deputy Commissioner of Immigration Maud Anima Quainoo, the Regional Command conducted coordinated raids in several hotspots, including Asawase, Alabar, Akwatia Line, Dagomba Line, Sabon Zongo, and Aboabo.
Beginning around 03:30 hours, the operation led to the arrest of 606 people—comprising 381 children, 72 females, and 153 males. Authorities say many of those detained are believed to be vulnerable to exploitation, including forced begging.
The GIS noted that the exercise is part of a broader national strategy to address growing street begging syndicates in major cities across Ghana.
It also referenced a similar operation conducted on April 15, 2026, in parts of Greater Accra such as Abossey Okai, Nima, Madina, and Kaneshie, which resulted in the repatriation of 356 West African nationals to their home countries, including Niger, Nigeria, and Burkina Faso.
The Service stressed that its operations comply with the ECOWAS Free Movement Protocol, clarifying that the focus is on illegal and exploitative practices rather than lawful regional movement.
As part of ongoing interventions, GIS worked with the Nigerian High Commission in Accra to assist 89 Nigerian nationals in obtaining travel documents before being handed over to anti-human trafficking authorities in Nigeria.
The Service has also engaged several African embassies in Accra to ensure a coordinated and humane approach in handling affected persons, especially children and other vulnerable groups.
The Comptroller-General of Immigration, Samuel Basintale Amadu, reaffirmed GIS’s commitment to enforcing immigration laws while respecting regional agreements.
He emphasized that the Service remains committed to safeguarding Ghana’s borders while balancing ECOWAS integration with strong action against trafficking and exploitation.
Meanwhile, the public has been reminded that street begging is prohibited under the Beggars and Destitute Act, 1969 (NLCD 392), with offenders liable to fines or imprisonment.
GIS has urged citizens to report suspicious activities involving foreign nationals as efforts continue to dismantle street begging networks nationwide.
