The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has rescued 305 West African nationals, including 113 children, in the second phase of an intelligence-led operation targeting suspected human trafficking networks operating under the guise of street begging in parts of the Greater Accra Region.
The operation took place in the early hours of Wednesday, April 15, 2026, across several locations including Abossey Okai, Zongo Junction, Nima, Madina and Kaneshie.
In a statement, the Service said the exercise is part of ongoing efforts to dismantle organised networks that exploit vulnerable migrants—particularly women and children—for street begging.
The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has intensified its crackdown on organised street begging, describing it as part of wider criminal networks involved in the exploitation and trafficking of vulnerable foreign nationals.
According to a statement signed by Deputy Commissioner of Immigration Maud Anima Quainoo, Head of Public Affairs, the operation targeted the exploitation of foreigners through coordinated street begging, which is often used by criminal groups to control and traffic victims.
A total of 305 people were rescued during the operation, including 113 children—made up of 36 boys and 77 girls. The remaining individuals were 66 adult women and 126 adult men.
The Service said the significant number of minors involved raises serious concerns about child exploitation within these networks. It added that all rescued persons are currently undergoing profiling and immigration processing at a designated facility.
GIS noted that it is working with relevant stakeholders to ensure that victims, particularly children, receive the necessary care, protection and support as investigations continue.
The operation forms part of an ongoing enforcement drive, with the Service indicating that intelligence-led coordination has been strengthened to help identify and dismantle trafficking and exploitation rings operating in urban areas.
“The Service remains committed to combating human trafficking, protecting vulnerable migrants, and promoting lawful and orderly migration,” the statement said.
Meanwhile, GIS has urged the public to assist ongoing efforts by reporting suspected cases of human trafficking and organised street begging to the nearest Immigration Office.
The Service says further updates will be provided as investigations and processing of the rescued individuals continue.