Immigration Officers Sweep Kaneshie and Abossey Okai in Early Morning Raid
A major immigration crackdown unfolded in parts of Accra on Friday morning, May 16, 2025, as officers from the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) launched a targeted operation to remove street children and their guardians—many of whom are believed to be foreign nationals—from key commercial zones.
The operation, which focused on Kaneshie and Abossey Okai, began at dawn and saw dozens of women and children rounded up by immigration officials.
The individuals were mostly found at intersections and along sidewalks where they regularly solicit help from motorists and passersby.
Immigration officers were seen questioning individuals before escorting them into waiting vehicles.
The action forms part of a broader national initiative to ease congestion on urban streets, clamp down on child exploitation, and ensure adherence to immigration laws.
Authorities say the increasing number of street-dwelling minors—particularly those suspected to have crossed into the country illegally—is raising serious concerns about child trafficking and public safety.
This move follows a recent warning issued by Dr. Ernestina Tetteh, Convener of the Coalition for Street-Connected Children Organisation (CSCCO).
On May 8, she drew attention to the alarming growth and structured nature of child streetism in Ghana, which she said now involves a significant number of children from neighbouring countries.
The Immigration Service has hinted that this is only the beginning, with more coordinated exercises expected across other urban centres in the coming weeks.
Story by Adwoa S. Danso
