Over 90% of migrant beggars arrested by Ghana Immigration are Nigeriens; 925 repatriated
The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has revealed that Nigeriens account for the overwhelming majority of foreign nationals detained in its ongoing operation against street begging.
Of the 2,244 individuals currently held, 2,073 — over 92 per cent —are from Niger, according to a statement released by the GIS on May 19, 2025.
The GIS disclosed that other detained beggars include 138 Nigerians, 28 Burkinabes, one Guinean, and one Malian. All detainees underwent mandatory profiling and security screening, with segregation by gender and age to comply with international standards.
Repatriation efforts, delayed from last Friday due to extended screening, resumed on Saturday.
So far, 925 individuals — including 819 Nigeriens and 106 Nigerians — have been sent back to their home countries. The GIS confirmed that meals and medical care are being provided at the holding centre, though arrests have been temporarily paused to avoid overcrowding.
"The Special Operation is being conducted humanely in compliance with the rights of all migrants," the GIS stated, reaffirming its commitment to professionalism. Authorities vowed to resume the crackdown to "rid the streets of beggars and clamp down on criminal networks," while appealing for public support.
"As Ghana's lead agency in migration management and border security, the GIS assures the general public of its commitment to operating fair and firm immigration systems and contributing to national security and development.
"The Special Operation will resume and continue in due course, in the effort to rid the streets of beggars and clamp down on criminal networks".
