GIS launches operation on anti-human trafficking and exploitative street begging

The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has initiated a focused intelligence-driven operation targeting human trafficking and exploitative street begging networks in the Greater Accra and Ashanti Regions of Ghana. Deputy Commissioner of GIS, Maud Anima Quainoo, stated in a press release that the operation aims to rescue victims and dismantle criminal syndicates exploiting vulnerable foreign nationals, mainly women and children.

The intensified effort targeted specific hotspots across Accra and Kumasi, apprehending over 1,000 West African nationals and several Ghanaians suspected of involvement in exploitative begging schemes. Among the rescued were 662 children, 145 men, and 248 women, highlighting the severity of child vulnerability in such exploitative systems.

A Nigerien woman apprehended during the operation revealed she was in labor and required medical attention before delivering a baby girl. All rescued individuals have been transferred to a holding center for further processing and coordination with relevant stakeholders, such as the Ministry of Gender and Social Protection, to ensure victims receive proper care and support.

The GIS is urging the public to refrain from giving alms directly to migrant beggars, particularly children, to remove financial incentives for traffickers. Comptroller General of Immigration, Samuel Basintale Amadu, emphasized the importance of supporting vulnerable individuals through authorized charitable organizations instead.