GIS to clamp down on street begging and illegal migrants in Accra

The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has announced plans to carry out a targeted operation in the Greater Accra Region this week to tackle street begging and irregular migration. In a media notice dated April 14, the Service said the exercise will involve a street sweep at selected locations, although specific areas have not been disclosed to ensure operational effectiveness and protect vulnerable individuals. According to GIS, the operation will focus on rescuing vulnerable people, including children and distressed individuals, who may be involved in exploitative begging. It will also target unregistered migrants to ensure compliance with Ghana’s immigration laws. The Service noted that the exercise builds on feedback from a previous operation and forms part of its broader mandate to protect public welfare and maintain order in public spaces. “This operation reflects our commitment to protecting vulnerable Ghanaians, combating human trafficking, and ensuring orderly public spaces,” the statement said. The notice, signed by Deputy Commissioner of Immigration in charge of Public Affairs, Maud Anima Quainoo, added that a detailed report will be released after the exercise. The planned operation comes as authorities intensify efforts to address street begging and human trafficking, particularly in urban centres like Accra.