Security analyst and policy commentator, Emmanuel Kotin, has called on the Government to take decisive action against street begging, particularly involving foreigners, arguing that the phenomenon raises concerns about public safety, border security and the enforcement of Ghana’s laws.
Speaking on TV3’s NewDay programme on Monday, August 31, 2026, during a discussion on the topic, ‘Tackling Street Begging Beyond Deportation’, Mr Kotin maintained that authorities must address the issue comprehensively and, in his words, “get beggars out of our streets.”
Mr Kotin expressed concern about what he described as Ghana’s porous borders, warning that inadequate border controls could allow criminal elements, including terrorists, to enter the country under various identities or circumstances, including by posing as refugees or nationals fleeing conflict.
He also criticised aspects of the ECOWAS Protocol on the Free Movement of Persons, Goods and Services, arguing that regional integration must be accompanied by stronger security and intelligence-sharing mechanisms.
Mr Kotin further called for the enforcement of Ghana’s laws against street begging.
Under the Beggars and Destitutes Act, 1969 (NLCD 392). Section 2(1) of the Act provides that: “Any person found begging, or wandering or placing himself in any premises or place for the purpose of begging, may be arrested by a police officer without a warrant and is liable, on conviction, to a fine or imprisonment or both.”
Mr Kotin argued that the law should be applied internally and fairly, while broader immigration and security concerns should be addressed through lawful and properly coordinated state action.
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