Arrest of Foreign Beggars Halted
The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has halted the arrest of foreign nationals engaged in begging on the streets of Accra and other major cities in the country.
According to the Service, the suspension is temporary.
In a statement, it explained that this was to avoid congestion at the Holding Centre at the National Headquarters.
“The Special Operation will resume and continue in due course, in the effort to rid the streets of beggars and clamp down on criminal networks,” it noted.
Meanwhile, it said that the exercise is being undertaken with migrants’ rights upheld.
“Meals, among other needs of persons in detention, have been provided for by the Service, and the GIS Clinic is on standby to provide medical services where necessary.”
“Management wishes to reiterate that the Special Operation is being conducted with human cognisance of the rights of all migrants.”
The GIS further reiterated its commitment to operating fair and firm immigration systems and contributing to national security and development.
The Service on May 17 commenced an exercise to rid the streets of Accra of undocumented migrants who have resorted to begging.
In all, 2,241 persons were arrested, of which 2,073 are Nigeriens, 106 Nigerians28 Burkinabe, one Guinean, and one Malian.
Repatriation was initiated on the morning of Saturday, 18th May, 2025.
As of May 20, 925 persons had successfully been repatriated, it noted, adding that processes are underway to remove the rest.
Source: opemsuo.com/Hajara Fuseini
