The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has conducted an intelligence-led anti-trafficking operation to rescue victims and disrupt exploitative street-begging networks.

According to a statement, the operation, undertaken in the early hours of Wednesday, April 15, 2026, clamped down on the exploitation of foreign nationals through organised street begging.

This practice is often used by criminal networks to traffic and control vulnerable individuals, particularly women and children.

The exercise focused on rescuing affected persons and ensuring compliance with Ghana’s immigration laws within the Greater Accra Region, including areas such as Abossey Okai, Zongo Junction, Nima, Madina and Kaneshie.

It disclosed that a total of 305 West African nationals were encountered during the operation. This includes 113 children, 66 adult women, and 126 adult men. Of the children rescued, 36 are male and 77 are female.

However, the significant number of minors involved underscores growing concerns about children’s vulnerability within these exploitative arrangements.

It assured that all persons rescued are currently undergoing profiling and the necessary immigration procedures at a dedicated centre, in line with established protocols.

The Service is also working closely with relevant stakeholders to ensure that victims, especially children, receive appropriate care, protection and support.

The operation builds on the success and lessons of an earlier exercise, with enhanced coordination and targeted interventions aimed at dismantling networks that facilitate the exploitation of foreign nationals through, and under the guise of, street begging.