The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS), through its Ashanti Regional Command, carried out a major intelligence-led operation in the early hours of Tuesday, April 21, 2026, to rescue undocumented migrants from exploitative street begging networks in Kumasi. The swoop, which began at 3:30 a.m., targeted several identified hotspots where these networks were known to operate. A total of 606 individuals were apprehended during the exercise. The group included:
- 381 children
- 153 males
- 72 females
The operation focused on several 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 (GIS) states that this exercise is part of a broader, nationwide campaign aimed at addressing the growing issue of organized street begging networks across Ghana.
A similar operation conducted on April 15, 2026, in the Greater Accra Region resulted in the safe repatriation of 356 West African nationals to Niger, Nigeria, and Burkina Faso. Additionally, the GIS has collaborated with the Nigerian High Commission in Accra to assist 89 Nigerian nationals in regularizing their documentation and transferring them to the appropriate anti-human trafficking authorities in Nigeria.
According to the GIS, street begging is prohibited under the Beggars and Destitute Act of 1969 (NLCD 392) for both citizens and non-citizens. Offenders can face penalties, including fines, imprisonment for up to three months, or both.
Source: Evans Effah
