More than 2,200 undocumented migrants have been arrested in Ghana’s capital, Accra, as part of a major security operation to reduce street begging and break up criminal gangs.
The Ghana Immigration Service said the early morning raids on Friday, May 17, led to the arrest of 2,241 people, including 1,332 children.
Ghana’s Interior Minister, Muntaka Mubarak, said the action was necessary because of the growing number of foreign nationals involved in organised street begging.
“This activity poses a national security risk and damages the image of our country,” the minister said in a statement on Facebook.
He also explained that many of those arrested entered Ghana through illegal routes, avoiding proper immigration checks.
Most of the migrants came from neighbouring countries such as Burkina Faso and Togo, while others came from Nigeria and other parts of West Africa.
The authorities said the migrants would go through medical and security checks before being sent back to their home countries. They promised that the return process would be done respectfully and professionally.
Some Ghanaians praised the action, saying it would help clean up the streets and improve security.
John Gyamfi, a 43-year-old spare parts trader in Accra, told reporters, “The arrests are long overdue. Some of these foreigners engage in prostitution and street begging. It’s embarrassing. People think they are Ghanaians and they spoil the good name of our country. If they go, the streets will be neat again.”
However, some of the migrants said they were not criminals but had come to Ghana out of hunger and fear.
Chamsiya Alhassan, a woman from Niger, said she was only trying to survive.
“Our husbands and relatives have been killed. We are here only to find something to eat,” she said while waiting in line to board a bus.
Many of the migrants come from the Sahel region, which has seen rising violence caused by jihadist groups linked to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State. Countries like Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have been struggling with attacks, killings, and political instability, forcing people to flee for safety.
Ghana’s government said the operation was meant to protect its citizens and maintain peace and order, while still respecting the rights of those affected.
