Gov’t to expand crackdown on organised street begging beyond Accra – Interior Minister

Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mubarak, has announced that the government’s crackdown on organised street begging will soon be extended to other regions across the country, following a major enforcement operation in Accra that led to the arrest of over 2,200 foreign nationals.

In a Facebook post, the Minister revealed that the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS), in a coordinated, intelligence-led operation, apprehended 2,241 foreign nationals suspected of being involved in organised street begging within the Greater Accra Region.

The early-morning operation targeted what officials described as a growing network of coordinated begging activities, which have raised security and social concerns in the capital.

Of those arrested, 909 were adults and 1,332 were children. The detainees included 961 males and 1,280 females.

Mr. Mubarak praised the efforts of GIS officers involved in the exercise, calling their work critical to maintaining national security.

“I commend the personnel of the Ghana Immigration Service for their commitment to national security,” he stated.

He emphasised that the Accra operation marks only the first phase of a broader national campaign.

“I have seen public calls for similar operations in places like Kumasi, Tamale, and other communities,” he said.

“Please be assured this is a nationwide exercise that began in Accra and will soon extend to other regions.”

The Minister called on the public to support the initiative and collaborate with authorities as the campaign expands.

“Let’s work together to keep our streets safe and orderly,” he urged.

The operation comes amid rising public concern about the increasing presence of street beggars, particularly in urban centres, with many believed to be trafficked or exploited through organised schemes.

Authorities say the nationwide operation will target not only those begging on the streets but also the networks behind them.