Ghana Immigration Service apprehends 1,055 West Africans in intelligence-led operation

The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has conducted an intelligence-led operation targeting suspected human trafficking and organised street-begging networks in the Greater Accra and Ashanti Regions.

The operation, conducted in the early hours of Saturday, resulted in the arrest of 1,055 West African nationals, including 248 women, 145 men and 662 children.

According to the GIS, the majority of those arrested were West African nationals, particularly Nigerians, while the children were suspected to have been victims of trafficking and exploitation for forced begging.

The operation targeted suspected criminal syndicates accused of trafficking, controlling and exploiting vulnerable foreign nationals, particularly women and children, through forced begging on the streets.

The Service said the high number of children rescued raised serious concerns about an emerging pattern of child trafficking for forced begging in Ghana.

In the Greater Accra Region, the operation covered several identified street-begging hotspots, including Abossey Okai, Sabon Zongo, Madina Zongo Junction, Madina, Ashaiman and Tema.

In the Ashanti Region, GIS officers also conducted operations in Asawase, Alabar, Akwatia Line, Dagomba Line, Sabon Zongo, Airport Junction and Aboabo in Kumasi.

The GIS said some suspected Ghanaian nationals, believed to be serving as local agents for the trafficking syndicates, were also detained to assist with investigations.

The Service said all persons rescued or apprehended had been transferred to a designated holding centre for profiling and immigration processing.

It added that it was collaborating with the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection and other relevant stakeholders to ensure that victims, particularly children, received appropriate care, protection and support.

The intelligence-led operation forms part of efforts by the GIS to disrupt organised networks involved in human trafficking and protect vulnerable persons from exploitation.

The Service reaffirmed its commitment to working with relevant state institutions and stakeholders to combat human trafficking and other forms of exploitation while ensuring the safety and protection of vulnerable persons in the country.