Ghana Immigration Service arrests woman in trafficking network, 1,055 individuals in anti-begging operation
The Ghana Immigration Service GIS has arrested a woman suspected of being part of a criminal network trafficking street beggars to Ghana. The arrest occurred during an intelligence-led anti-trafficking operation targeting organized street begging networks in parts of the Greater Accra and Ashanti regions on Saturday, August 29, 2026. Several Ghanaians suspected of acting as local agents for these networks were also arrested, along with a man who allegedly attempted to harbor some beggars. The operation led to the arrest of 1,055 people, primarily West African nationals, including 662 children, 248 women, and 145 men. The GIS stated that this operation is part of efforts to disrupt organized networks exploiting vulnerable people through street begging. Hotspots targeted in the Greater Accra Region included Abossey Okai, Sabon Zongo, Madina Zongo Junction, Madina, Ashaiman, and Tema. In the Ashanti Region, the operation covered areas of the Kumasi Metropolis such as Asawase, Alabar, Akwatia Line, Dagomba Line, Sabon Zongo, Airport Junction, and Aboabo.
