Immigration Service Cracks Down on Street Beggars in Big Operation at Abossey Okai

• The Ghana Immigration Service carried out a special operation to remove foreign street kids and guardians from parts of Accra
• The operation followed concerns about the growing presence of non-Ghanaian street kids in Accra
• Dozens of foreign women with children were rounded up by the Ghana Immigration Service vehicles

The Ghana Immigration Service carried out a special operation at Kaneshie and Abossey Okai to remove foreign beggar children and their accompanying guardians from the streets.

The exercise took place in the early hours of May 16, 2025, in response to concerns about the growing presence of non-Ghanaian street kids in Accra.

Citi News reported that over 1,000 foreign women with children were rounded up and put in Ghana Immigration Service-marked vehicles.

They were then transported to the Ghana Immigration Service Headquarters.

Officers were seen engaging with individuals before escorting them from the sidewalks and busy intersections where they often beg.

The operation is part of a nationwide initiative to decongest the streets, enhance public safety, and protect vulnerable children.

It also aims to identify individuals residing in the country illegally and ensure proper immigration procedures are followed.

The operation was well-received by residents in the area. They applauded as the targets of the operation were rounded up.

Residents have complained that the street kids harass them with their begging, among others.

Government plan to cater for street kids

In 2024, the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection launched a five-year strategic plan for street-connected children and young persons.

The plan aims to address the multifaceted challenges faced by street-connected children and young persons through a comprehensive rehabilitation approach.

The ministry has had similar operations like “Operation Go Back to School” and “Operation Get Off the Streets for a Better Life,” which had minimal effect.

In 2022, an Inter-Ministerial Committee was tasked with developing a comprehensive plan to tackle these challenges.

Rev. Dr. Mrs. Comfort Asare, National Director of the Department of Social Welfare, described the plan as a comprehensive and collaborative effort to address the complex challenges faced by street-connected children and young persons.

Drivers threaten to strike over congested roadsides

This operation followed the commercial transport operators' notice of a strike threat from May 19, 2025.

They are striking in protest against traders operating on roads, pavements and bus stops.

The Ghana Private Road Transport Union is one of the groups behind the protest.

The drivers want the government to enforce provisions of the Road Traffic Regulations Act, 2012, which prohibit such incursions on roads and pavements by traders.

AMA plans decongestion exercise

YEN.com.gh reported that the Accra Metropolitan Assembly will begin a decongestion exercise in the metropolis from Tuesday, May 20.

Accra Metropolitan Assembly boss Michael Kpakpo Allotey said the operation will target traders and unauthorised structures on pavements.

At a press conference on May 15, Allotey said the operation would be led by the Metropolitan Security Council.

The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly has also been engaged in a decongestion exercise.

Proofreading by Samuel Gitonga, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.

Source: YEN.com.gh