Ghana Immigration Service Cracks Down on Undocumented Migrants in Accra: Over 2,200 Detained

In one of the largest immigration operations in Ghana's recent history, the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has detained 2,241 undocumented foreign nationals, including over 1,300 children and 909 adults. The sweeping operation, aimed at curbing illegal street begging and unregulated migration activities, was carried out across densely populated areas in Accra such as Kaneshie, Abossey Okai, and Kwame Nkrumah Circle.

The individuals detained are mostly from neighboring West African countries, with authorities citing that many entered Ghana through unapproved routes and lacked legal documentation to stay or work in the country. According to the GIS, the decision to carry out the arrests followed growing public concern over the increasing number of foreigners—particularly women and children—engaged in aggressive street begging, hawking, and other informal activities that have raised national security and public safety concerns.

Speaking at a press briefing, GIS spokesperson Assistant Commissioner of Immigration (ACI) Charles Yeboah emphasized that the operation was not a blanket crackdown but a targeted response to illegal migration and human trafficking concerns. He stated, "This is not just an immigration issue; it's a public safety and national security matter. Many of these individuals are trafficked or smuggled into the country and then forced into activities that put them and others at risk."

A significant number of those arrested—about 1,332—are children. GIS officials revealed that many of these minors appeared to be part of a larger, possibly organized network of child exploitation. The children were found on the streets, often during school hours, some carrying infants or persistently begging in ways that raised alarms among city dwellers and human rights groups. Following their arrest, the children have been placed in the custody of the Department of Social Welfare, where profiling and background tracing are ongoing. Authorities say they are working with both domestic and international partners, including ECOWAS and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), to determine their countries of origin and ensure appropriate rehabilitation or repatriation.

The GIS has assured the public that due process will be followed and that all detainees will be treated with dignity and in accordance with both Ghanaian law and international human rights standards. "We are not targeting any group unfairly. Law-abiding foreign nationals who are in Ghana with valid permits and documentation have nothing to fear. This operation is strictly to deal with illegal entry, undocumented stay, and public nuisance," ACI Yeboah stressed.

Public response to the operation has been mixed. While many Ghanaians have commended the GIS for taking firm action to restore order in the capital, others—particularly human rights organizations—have expressed concern about the treatment of detainees and the long-term fate of the children involved. Civil society groups have called for transparency in the handling of the cases and a clear plan to address the socio-economic factors driving such migration.

The GIS has also used the opportunity to call for stronger collaboration among West African nations to combat the root causes of irregular migration and human trafficking. Officials stressed the importance of regional governments working together to improve border security, share intelligence, and address the economic vulnerabilities that drive families to send children across borders in search of better opportunities.

The situation remains fluid, and further updates are expected as profiling and investigations continue. Authorities have indicated that more operations of this nature may be conducted in the coming weeks if illegal migration patterns persist.