GIS begins repatriation of over 2,200 foreign street beggars
By: Solomon Nartey Tetteh
The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has commenced the repatriation of foreign nationals apprehended for engaging in street begging across Accra and other major cities.
According to a statement issued by the Service, a total of 2,241 foreign nationals are currently being processed at a designated holding centre. These individuals, from various West African countries, were arrested as part of a special operation aimed at removing foreign street beggars and dismantling associated criminal networks.
A breakdown of the nationalities shows that 2,073 are Nigeriens, 138 Nigerians, 28 Burkinabes, and one each from Guinea and Mali.
The GIS stated that all detainees underwent thorough profiling and security screening in accordance with standard operating procedures. Additionally, they were separated by age and gender in line with international best practices.
The repatriation process, initially scheduled to begin on Friday, May 17, 2025, was delayed due to extended screening procedures. However, operations commenced the following morning, Saturday, May 18, with 925 individuals already repatriated. The breakdown of those returned so far includes 819 Nigeriens, 106 Nigerians, and smaller numbers from the other countries.
The Service assured the public that all individuals in custody are receiving adequate care, including regular meals and access to medical attention from the GIS Clinic.
According to the statement, there has been a temporary hold on further arrests to avoid congestion at the holding centre at the National Headquarters. The operation, the Service said, is being carried out humanely, with full cognisance of the rights of all migrants.
GIS emphasized its commitment to professionalism and respect for human rights, thanking the public and media for their support and cooperation during the exercise.
The Ghana Immigration Service assured the general public of its commitment to operating a fair and firm immigration system, and to contributing to national security and development. The GIS added that the special operation will resume soon, as part of ongoing efforts to clear the streets of beggars and curb illegal migration-related activities.
