The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has apprehended 1,055 people in a major intelligence-led operation targeting suspected organised street-begging and human-trafficking networks operating in parts of Kumasi and the Greater Accra Region.
The exercise, carried out in the early hours of Saturday, August 29, 2026, focused on locations identified by authorities as hotspots for organised street begging and the suspected exploitation of vulnerable foreign nationals.
In Kumasi, immigration officers moved into areas including Asawase, Alabar, Akwatia Line, Dagomba Line, Sabon Zongo, Airport Junction and Aboabo.
Similar operations were conducted in Greater Accra at Abossey Okai, Sabon Zongo, Madina Zongo Junction, Madina, Ashaiman and Tema.
Hundreds of children among those apprehended
According to the Ghana Immigration Service, the operation resulted in the apprehension of 1,055 people, comprising 662 children, 248 women and 145 men, with many of those involved being West African nationals.
The large number of children involved has raised particular concern among authorities, with the GIS linking the situation to suspected networks that exploit vulnerable minors through forced or organised street begging.
Several Ghanaian nationals were also apprehended during the exercise over suspicions that they were acting as local agents or facilitators for some of the alleged networks.
The GIS says the operation goes beyond simply removing beggars from the streets and is intended to identify and disrupt organised groups suspected of trafficking, controlling and exploiting vulnerable people.
Rescued individuals undergoing profiling
Those apprehended have been transferred to a designated holding centre, where immigration authorities are conducting profiling and other necessary processes.
The Service is also working with relevant state agencies, including the Ministry responsible for Gender and Social Protection, to provide appropriate protection and assistance, particularly for the hundreds of children involved.
Authorities are expected to use the profiling process to establish the individual circumstances of those apprehended and identify people who may have been victims of trafficking or other forms of exploitation.
Woman gives birth following operation
In an unusual development during the operation, a Nigerien woman who had been apprehended complained of feeling unwell.
Medical personnel attached to the exercise examined her and discovered that she was in labour. She was subsequently transported to a medical facility, where she safely delivered a baby girl.
She remained under medical observation following the delivery.
Previous operation conducted in Kumasi
The latest exercise is not the first major operation against suspected organised street begging in Kumasi this year.
In April, the Ashanti Regional Command of the Ghana Immigration Service carried out a similar operation at several locations in the city, including Asawase, Alabar, Akwatia Line, Dagomba Line, Sabon Zongo and Aboabo.
That operation resulted in 606 people being picked up, including 381 children.
The GIS said at the time that many of those encountered were believed to be victims of human trafficking and forced begging.
The latest operation therefore points to continuing concerns about organised begging and the exploitation of vulnerable people in Kumasi and other major urban centres.
Public urged to avoid giving money directly to child beggars
Following the latest exercise, the Ghana Immigration Service has appealed to members of the public to reconsider giving money directly to migrant street beggars, particularly children.
Authorities argue that although people may give out of sympathy, direct financial donations can make organised begging profitable for those behind exploitative networks.
People who wish to support vulnerable children and other individuals are instead being encouraged to channel assistance through recognised charities, children’s homes, credible non-governmental organisations and appropriate state social welfare institutions.
The GIS says investigations and immigration processing will continue as authorities work to identify victims and persons suspected of being involved in trafficking and exploitation.
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