The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has apprehended 1,055 persons, including 662 children, in an intelligence-led operation targeting alleged human trafficking and exploitative street begging networks across the Greater Accra and Ashanti regions.
The operation, conducted in the early hours of Saturday, August 29, 2026, targeted criminal syndicates allegedly using organised begging as a cover to traffic and control vulnerable foreign nationals, particularly women and children.
According to a press release issued by the GIS, the exercise focused on several hotspots in Accra, including Abossey Okai, Sabon Zongo, Madina Zongo Junction, Madina, Ashaiman and Tema.
Major areas within the Kumasi Metropolis, including Asawase, Aboabo, Alabar, Akwatia Line, Dagomba Line, Sabon Zongo and Airport Junction, were also targeted.
The Immigration Service said more than 1,000 West African nationals engaged in alleged illicit activities were apprehended during the operation, while several Ghanaians were suspected of acting as local agents in the exploitative begging networks.
Of the 1,055 people apprehended, 662 were children, while 145 were men and 248 were women.
The GIS said the high number of children rescued during the operation highlighted growing concerns about child trafficking and the exploitation of minors for forced begging on Ghana’s streets.
The Immigration Service described the operation as part of efforts to rescue victims and dismantle networks allegedly involved in human trafficking and exploitative street begging.
By Ishmael Oduro-Acheampong
