Accra: The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has reportedly arrested a woman suspected to be part of a criminal network trafficking street beggars to Ghana.
According to Ghana Web, the woman, who is currently in custody at the GIS headquarters, was arrested during an intelligence-led anti-trafficking operation targeting organised street begging networks in parts of the Greater Accra and Ashanti regions on Saturday, August 29, 2026. Several Ghanaians suspected of acting as local agents for the networks were also apprehended. Additionally, a man who allegedly attempted to harbour some of the beggars in his container was arrested and is assisting with investigations.
The operation led to the arrest of 1,055 people, mainly West African nationals. The GIS reported that among those picked up during the operation were 662 children, 248 women, and 145 men. The service noted that the operation is part of efforts to disrupt organised networks involved in exploiting vulnerable people through street begging.
In the Greater Accra Region, the operation targeted various locations identified as hotspots for organised street begging, including Abossey Okai, Sabon Zongo, Madina Zongo Junction, Madina, Ashaiman, and Tema. In the Ashanti Region, the operation covered parts of the Kumasi Metropolis, including Asawase, Alabar, Akwatia Line, Dagomba Line, Sabon Zongo, Airport Junction, and Aboabo.
The Ghana Immigration Service has arrested 1,055 people in an intelligence-led anti-trafficking operation targeting organised street begging networks in parts of Greater Accra and the Ashanti Region.