Ghana Immigration Service confirms arrest of undocumented migrants in Accra sweep
The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has confirmed the arrest of several undocumented migrants following a coordinated operation across key locations in Accra on Friday, May 16, 2025. The early-morning exercise targeted known hotspots for street begging and informal trading, including Kaneshie, Abossey Okai, and Kwame Nkrumah Circle.
In a brief holding statement issued by the GIS, Assistant Commissioner of Immigration and Head of Public Affairs, M. Amoako-Atta, stated that the operation aimed to address the presence of undocumented migrants on the streets. “We are currently assessing the outcomes of the operation and will provide further details to the public in due course,” the statement read.
The operation, which saw the deployment of several uniformed officers, focused on individuals believed to be residing in the country illegally. Eyewitnesses reported a swift and organised effort by immigration personnel who engaged directly with suspected undocumented migrants before escorting them into official vehicles. A significant number of those apprehended included women and children suspected to be foreign nationals.
The move forms part of ongoing efforts by national security and immigration authorities to curb child streetism, tackle illegal residency, and address broader public safety concerns in urban centres. According to local observers, the streets of Accra have seen a visible rise in the number of street children and beggars, many of whom operate in heavily trafficked areas, often with young children in tow.
While the full details of the operation are yet to be released, GIS has urged the public to remain patient as it reviews the outcomes of the arrests and determines the next steps. The service has also assured that a comprehensive update will follow after the preliminary assessment is complete.
As immigration enforcement intensifies in the capital, the development is expected to stir public debate around the management of undocumented migration, social protection systems, and regional cooperation on cross-border movement.
