GIS Intensifies Crackdown on Human Trafficking and Exploitative Street Begging

By Zainab Ali

The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has launched a new intelligence-led operation aimed at tackling human trafficking and exploitative street begging networks in the Greater Accra and Ashanti Regions.

The operation is intended to rescue people who may be victims of exploitation while also identifying and dismantling networks believed to be involved in the practice.

The initiative forms part of efforts by the Immigration Service to address organised forms of street begging, particularly where migrants and vulnerable people may be exploited for financial gain.

According to the GIS, the operation is being conducted using intelligence gathered on suspected trafficking and begging networks.

The issue of street begging has remained a visible concern in major Ghanaian cities, particularly in busy areas where vulnerable individuals are often seen soliciting money from motorists and pedestrians.

While begging can involve people facing genuine economic difficulties, authorities have raised concerns about organised networks that allegedly exploit vulnerable migrants and children.

The GIS has therefore stressed the need to distinguish between vulnerable individuals who require assistance and organised activities involving exploitation and trafficking.

The latest operation follows previous interventions by the Service targeting exploitative street-begging networks. Earlier operations have resulted in the rescue of hundreds of West African nationals, including children.

The Immigration Service says its broader objective is to protect vulnerable persons while enforcing Ghana’s immigration and anti-trafficking laws.

The latest crackdown is expected to continue as authorities gather intelligence and work to identify individuals and groups allegedly benefiting from the exploitation of vulnerable people.