Key Points
- 92% of arrested migrant beggars in Ghana are from Niger.
- Ghana has repatriated 925 foreigners, mostly Nigeriens and Nigerians.
- GIS says operation complies with international human rights standards.
The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) says over 90 percent of migrant beggars arrested in its recent crackdown are citizens of Niger.
In a statement issued May 19, the GIS disclosed that out of 2,244 foreigners detained for street begging, 2,073 — about 92.4 percent — were Nigeriens. The operation forms part of a larger national effort to address street begging and related criminal activities in urban centers.
Other detainees include 138 Nigerians, 28 Burkinabes, one Guinean, and one Malian.
925 foreign nationals already deported
According to the GIS, 925 individuals have been repatriated so far, including 819 Nigeriens and 106 Nigerians.
The repatriation process resumed on Saturday after a temporary suspension due to extended screening and logistical delays. The agency confirmed that all detainees were profiled and screened for security concerns, with segregation based on gender and age in line with international human rights standards.
“Meals and medical care are being provided at the holding center,” the statement noted, adding that arrests have been temporarily paused to avoid overcrowding.
Immigration vows to continue crackdown
Despite the pause, GIS officials say the special operation will continue soon. The agency appealed for public cooperation as it works to “rid the streets of beggars and clamp down on criminal networks.”
“The special operation is being conducted humanely in compliance with the rights of all migrants,” the GIS said. “As Ghana’s lead agency in migration management and border security, we remain committed to operating a fair and firm immigration system.”
Authorities emphasized that the move aims to support national security and development by addressing undocumented migration and organized begging networks.
