Just weeks after a much-touted operation by the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) cleared thousands of foreign beggars from Accra’s streets, the capital is witnessing a disheartening resurgence of the very problem it sought to eradicate.
The bustling hubs of Circle, Graphic Road, and the stretch from Kaneshie to Accra are once again teeming with foreign nationals openly engaged in street begging, raising serious questions about the effectiveness and sustainability of the GIS’s efforts.
On May 16, 2025, the GIS, in an intelligence-led sweep, proudly announced the removal of 2,241 street beggars.
Their breakdown was precise: 909 adults (384 males, 525 females) and a staggering 1,332 children (577 males, 755 females) were apprehended.
These individuals were reportedly undergoing security and medical screenings at the GIS National Headquarters, with promises of repatriation for undocumented foreign nationals from areas like Sabon Zongo, Nima, Abossey Okai, and Obetsebi Roundabout.
However, the celebratory mood has been short-lived. A quick glance across Accra’s major arteries confirms what many feared: the beggars are back, seemingly undeterred.
This rapid reappearance has ignited public outcry and fueled concerns that the initial operation was merely a temporary solution to a deeply rooted issue.
Unanswered Questions and Allegations
The public is now demanding answers from the Ghana Immigration Service. How are these foreign immigrants so easily re-entering the country undetected after such a significant operation?
Unsubstantiated but persistent allegations suggest a darker truth: that these street beggars are being smuggled across Ghana’s borders, often hidden amongst goods and cargo.
This disturbing possibility demands immediate and thorough investigation by the GIS. It’s becoming increasingly clear that a multi-pronged approach is desperately needed.
Strengthening border surveillance, enhancing collaboration with other security agencies, and implementing stricter checks on cargo vehicles are no longer suggestions but imperative steps to curb this growing phenomenon.
Without such decisive action, Accra risks becoming a revolving door for street begging, undermining public trust and perpetuating a cycle that benefits no one.
By Prince Ahenkorah