The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has temporarily suspended arrests of foreign nationals involved in street begging due to overcrowding at its detention facilities.
In a press statement, the Service cited the need to “avoid congestion at the Holding Centre at the National Headquarters” after detaining 2,244 individuals, as part of a sweeping operation across Accra and other urban areas.
So far, 925 individuals have been repatriated, including 819 Nigeriens and 106 Nigerians. However, with many more still awaiting processing, the GIS has opted to pause the operation to manage logistical and humanitarian challenges.
“The Special Operation is being conducted humanely in compliance with the rights of all migrants,” the statement emphasized, adding that detainees are receiving meals, medical care, and are housed in segregated facilities based on gender and age in line with international standards.
The suspension comes as the GIS grapples with the complexities of profiling, screening, and deportation procedures for hundreds of undocumented migrants, many of whom are economic migrants from neighboring West African countries.
Authorities insist the pause is temporary and that operations will resume “in due course” as part of a larger strategy to clear the streets of beggars and dismantle associated criminal networks.
The GIS is calling on the public, media, and relevant stakeholders to continue supporting its efforts to enforce immigration laws while maintaining a rights-respecting approach.
With over 92% of those arrested being from Niger, the situation underscores Ghana’s growing role as a destination for migrants seeking economic opportunities, often through informal and vulnerable means like street begging.
Though no timeline was given for the resumption of arrests, the GIS reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism and due process in managing the situation.
