GIS conducts anti-trafficking operation to rescue victims of street begging

The Ghana Immigration Service has conducted an intelligence-led anti-trafficking operation to rescue victims and disrupt exploitative street begging networks.

The operation, undertaken in the early hours of Wednesday, 15th April, 2026, clamped down on the exploitation of foreign nationals through organized street begging, a practice often used by criminal networks to traffic and control vulnerable individuals, particularly women and children.

A statement signed by Maud Anima Quainoo, Deputy Commissioner of Immigration Service and copied to the Ghana News Agency in Accra on Wednesday said the exercise focused on rescuing affected persons and ensuring compliance with Ghana’s immigration laws within the Greater Accra Region, including areas such as, Abossey Okai, Zongo Junction, Nima, Madina and Kaneshie.

A total of 305 West African nationals were encountered during the operation.
This includes 113 children, 66 adult women, and 126 adult men.
Of the children rescued, 36 are male and 77 are female.

The statement said a significant number of minors involved underscored growing concerns about the vulnerability of children within these exploitative arrangements.
It said all persons rescued were currently undergoing profiling and necessary immigration procedures at a dedicated centre in line with established protocols.

The Service is also working closely with relevant stakeholders to ensure that victims, especially children, received appropriate care, protection, and support.

“The operation builds on the success and lessons of an earlier exercise, with enhanced coordination and targeted interventions aimed at dismantling networks that facilitate the exploitation of foreign nationals through and under the guise of street begging.
“The Service remains committed to combating human trafficking, protecting vulnerable migrants, and promoting lawful and orderly migration”.

The statement urged the public to support ongoing efforts by reporting suspicious activities related to human trafficking and organized street begging to the nearest Immigration Office.

Source: GNA