The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has temporarily paused its crackdown on foreign nationals engaged in street begging, citing overcrowding at its detention centre in Accra.
In a statement dated May 19, 2025, the GIS said the suspension is aimed at preventing congestion at the National Headquarters Holding Centre, where over 2,000 individuals—mostly Nigeriens—have been detained since the operation began. So far, 925 migrants have been repatriated, including 819 from Niger and 106 from Nigeria.
According to the GIS, the ongoing operation is being conducted with full regard for migrant rights, including the provision of food, medical care, and humane treatment.
However, the large volume of detainees has strained logistics, especially as each person must undergo detailed profiling and security checks.
The Service assured that arrests will resume “in due course” as part of efforts to remove beggars from the streets and dismantle related criminal networks.
It also called for public support while reaffirming its commitment to professionalism and human rights.
With Nigeriens making up over 90% of detainees, the exercise has drawn attention to the growing presence of economic migrants in Ghana’s urban begging scene.
