The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has identified 2,073 Nigerien nationals as the largest group of foreign nationals engaged in street begging in Accra and other major cities.
Other foreign nationals at designated holding centers include 138 Nigerians, 28 Burkinabes, one Guinean, and one Malian, totalling 2,241.
This follows a special operation by the GIS to rid the country of street beggars and other miscreants, aiming to enhance public safety and security.
Assistant Commissioner of Immigration Michael Amoako-Atta, Head of Public Affairs, in a statement, said all affected individuals were undergoing profiling and security screening in accordance with the Service’s Standard Operating Procedures.
The screening process, conducted in line with international best practices, includes segregation by gender and age to ensure orderly and humane processing.
Repatriation, initially scheduled for Friday, May 17, 2025, was delayed due to prolonged screening procedures.
The statement said so far, 925 persons have been successfully repatriated, and processes are underway to remove the rest.
The breakdown of those repatriated includes 819 Nigeriens and 106 Nigerians.
The GIS assured the public that meals and other necessities were being provided for persons in custody, with the GIS Clinic on standby for medical assistance.
To manage congestion at the National Headquarters holding centre, the Service has suspended further arrests.
“Management wishes to reiterate that the special operation is being conducted humanely in cognisance of the rights of all migrants,” the statement emphasised.
The GIS reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism and respect for human rights, ensuring all immigrants are treated humanely.
It expressed gratitude to stakeholders, the public, and the media for their support throughout the operation.
The GIS assures the public of its commitment to operating fair and firm immigration systems and contributing to national security and development.
It announced that the Special Operation would resume to further clear street beggars and dismantle criminal networks.
It called for continued collaboration and support from all stakeholders to ensure the success of the exercise.
