The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has arrested over 2,000 undocumented immigrants during a sweep operation at vantage areas in Accra.
The operation took place on Friday, May 16, 2025, with GIS officers storming vantage areas such as Sabon Zongo, Kaneshie, Abossey Okai, and Circle.
Among those detained were 909 adults (384 men and 525 women) and 1,332 children (577 boys and 755 girls).
According to ACI Michael Amoako-Atta, Head of Public Affairs at GIS, the operation was launched after intelligence revealed that criminal groups were exploiting undocumented migrants, including children, for profit.
“We’ve discovered these activities are tied to human trafficking and transnational crimes,” he told GTV. “We had to step in to protect the public and the victims involved.”
All detainees are undergoing medical and security screening at the GIS National Headquarters in Accra. The service is currently working with relevant embassies to ensure the safe repatriation of undocumented foreigners.
The sweep operation also aims to discourage Ghanaian children from engaging in street begging. Amoako-Atta expressed concern over a growing trend where schoolchildren abandon classrooms for the streets, especially at traffic intersections. “We don’t want our youth trading education for quick money,” he emphasized.
The mass arrests have sparked debate across Ghana. While many citizens have welcomed the move for restoring order and protecting vulnerable children, others are calling for deeper social reforms to address poverty and illegal migration.
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