Should Ghana arrest and deport migrant beggars, or should we first address the humanitarian reasons behind street begging?

Written by; Regina Bless

The sight of people begging on the streets has become increasingly common in some parts of Ghana, raising concerns about public safety, child welfare, sanitation and the country’s immigration system.

This has led to a difficult debate: Should Ghana arrest and deport migrant beggars, or should the country first address the humanitarian circumstances that brought them onto the streets?

Ghana has the right to enforce its immigration laws. People who enter or remain in the country unlawfully can be subject to immigration procedures, and authorities have a responsibility to maintain an orderly immigration system.

But enforcement should not mean treating every person on the street as a criminal.

Some migrants may have arrived because of poverty, conflict, displacement or a lack of economic opportunities. Children found begging deserve particular protection because they may be victims of exploitation or trafficking rather than people who have freely chosen street life.

Authorities should therefore identify who is behind organised begging and investigate whether vulnerable people are being exploited.

A humane approach could begin with identification, assessment and referral to appropriate social services. Vulnerable children should be protected, while adults should have their circumstances assessed before decisions are made about immigration status and possible removal.

At the same time, Ghana must address the concerns of communities affected by street begging. Authorities can enforce laws against organised begging, exploitation, trafficking and obstruction of roads or public spaces without dehumanising vulnerable people.

There is also a regional dimension to the issue. Ghana and neighbouring countries need stronger cooperation to address irregular migration, trafficking and cross-border exploitation.

The solution should therefore combine law enforcement with humanity.

Ghana can protect its borders and enforce immigration laws while still recognising that poverty and displacement are human realities. Arresting people without understanding their circumstances may provide a temporary response, but identifying the networks behind organised begging and protecting vulnerable people offers a more sustainable solution.

The goal should be a Ghana that is secure, orderly and compassionate—one where immigration laws are respected without abandoning people who may be victims of circumstances beyond their control.