The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has carried out a special operation in Kaneshie and Abossey Okai aimed at removing street children and their guardians, many of whom are believed to be foreign nationals.
The early morning exercise, which forms part of a broader nationwide initiative, targeted growing clusters of non-Ghanaian street dwellers — especially minors — who have increasingly taken up positions along pavements and intersections in Accra’s commercial zones.
Immigration officers were seen engaging with women and children before escorting them off the streets.
According to officials, the goal of the operation is to decongest public spaces, enhance safety, combat child exploitation, and identify persons residing illegally in Ghana.
The operation follows growing public concern over the increasing visibility of street-connected children in the capital, with many suspected to have crossed into Ghana from countries such as Chad and Niger.
Dr. Ernestina Tetteh, Convener of the Coalition for Street-Connected Children Organisation (CSCCO), recently raised alarm on Citi FM, calling the issue “growing and potentially organised.”
“Statistics are hard to come by; we only know that the numbers are growing by the day. They usually come from Chad, Niger,” she said.
“This has been with us since I was a child — what we used to call ‘salaka’ — but the issue has become worse than before.”
The GIS has not yet disclosed the total number of individuals picked up during the operation, but officials say screening is ongoing to determine legal status and take appropriate action.
Authorities say similar operations will continue across the country as part of efforts to manage urban safety, curb human trafficking, and address illegal migration.
