The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has confirmed that a major enforcement operation began in the early hours of Friday, May 16, 2025, in a bid to address the growing presence of undocumented migrants involved in street begging within Accra and surrounding areas.
According to officials, the operation—carried out exclusively by GIS personnel—has so far led to the detention of 2,241 foreign nationals. The group includes 909 adults and 1,332 children.
A press release from the Service, signed by M. Amoako-Atta, Assistant Commissioner of Immigration and Head of Public Affairs, stated:
“The Ghana Immigration Service wishes to confirm an ongoing operation, commenced in the early hours of Friday, May 16, 2025, aimed at addressing the presence of undocumented migrants on the streets of Accra and other cities.
We are currently assessing the outcomes of the operation and will provide further details to the public in due course.”
Authorities say the enforcement teams focused on locations widely known for high concentrations of street activity and informal settlement.
These areas have been flagged in recent years as hotspots for undocumented migration, with many individuals believed to have entered Ghana from neighboring countries.
Detainees are currently undergoing health checks and security assessments at the Immigration Service’s National Headquarters in Accra.
These screenings, officials say, are prerequisites for any planned repatriation and form part of broader efforts to ensure public safety and uphold immigration protocols.
ACI Amoako-Atta emphasized in interviews with local media that the exercise is being conducted with a focus on professionalism and respect for fundamental rights.
The GIS also noted that it is liaising with various foreign missions to facilitate a coordinated and humane repatriation process. These diplomatic consultations are understood to be part of wider measures aimed at disrupting networks responsible for irregular migration into the country.
In the meantime, the Service is calling for public cooperation and urging residents to remain calm, stressing that individuals with valid immigration status are not affected by the operation.
