Citing overpopulation at its detention facility in Accra, the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has temporarily suspended its crackdown on foreign nationals involved in street begging.
The halt is intended to avoid congestion at the National Headquarters Holding Center, where more than 2,000 people, primarily Nigeriens, have been imprisoned since the operation started, the GIS said in a statement dated May 19, 2025. 925 migrants, 819 from Niger and 106 from Nigeria, have been repatriated thus far.
The GIS claims that all migrant rights, including the supply of food, medical attention, and humane treatment, are being fully respected during the ongoing operation.
However, operations have been strained due to the high number of detainees, particularly since each individual needs to go through thorough security checks and profiling.
Arrests will continue “in due course,” the Service promised, as part of its attempts to rid the streets of beggars and break up associated criminal networks.
It reaffirmed its dedication to professionalism and human rights and appealed for public support.
The initiative has highlighted the increasing number of economic migrants in Ghana’s urban begging scene, as Nigeriens comprise more than 90% of the inmates.
Source: newsthemegh.com