• Metascholar News Portal
• Africa , Security News
• May 16, 2025
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• 5 minutes Read

Immigration Service Detains More Than 1,000 Street Children and Guardians in Sweep at Abossey Okai and Kaneshie – Ghana

Accra, Ghana – May 16, 2025 — In a major coordinated effort to address the persistent issue of child streetism and illegal migration in the capital, the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has apprehended over 1,000 street-connected children and their adult guardians during a sweeping early-morning operation across several urban hotspots in Accra. The enforcement operation, carried out on Friday, May 16, focused on densely populated areas with a high prevalence of street begging and child vending, including Kaneshie, Abossey Okai, and the Kwame Nkrumah Interchange (popularly known as “Circle”). These locations have long been identified as hubs for transient populations, including foreign nationals and undocumented migrants, some of whom are suspected to be involved in coordinated street-based activities. Focus on National Security and Social Order According to officers involved in the operation, the exercise was part of a broader national strategy aimed at safeguarding internal security, enforcing immigration laws, and restoring public order. GIS officials stated that the presence of large numbers of undocumented migrants many of whom are engaged in unregulated street trading and begging with children in tow has raised national security concerns. These concerns prompted the recent crackdown to assess identities and legal statuses, with the goal of repatriating non-Ghanaian nationals found to be residing in the country unlawfully. “The street situation has escalated to the point where it now poses a significant threat to public safety,” an immigration official told Citi News. “We are working with relevant agencies to identify those who have no legal right to remain in Ghana and to provide temporary support for the children as investigations continue.” Eyewitnesses described scenes of uniformed immigration personnel approaching groups of street beggars and vendors, engaging with them briefly before escorting them into waiting vehicles. Most of those apprehended were women with young children many of whom are suspected to have migrated from neighboring countries such as Chad, Niger, and Mali. Public Reaction and Policy Implications The operation has sparked widespread public discourse, with many Ghanaians supporting the government’s action as a timely intervention against the growing crisis of child streetism. Residents and commuters in the affected areas noted the increasing visibility of children on the streets, often in hazardous conditions and exposed to exploitation. “This was long overdue,” remarked Kwame Agyekum, a commuter at Kaneshie. “We see these kids every day on the roads, risking their lives and causing traffic disruptions. But more importantly, they need help not just removal.” While the enforcement action…