GHANA IMMIGRATION SERVICE HAS EMBARKED ON AN OPERATION TO REMOVE BEGGARS FROM KEY AREAS IN ACCRA
In a massive operation to address mounting concerns about child streetism, illegal residency, and national security threats in the capital, Accra, Ghanaian immigration police have arrested more than 1,000 street children and their guardians.
On Friday, May 16, the early-morning drill concentrated on prominent hotspots, including Kwame Nkrumah Circle, Abossey Okai, and Kaneshie—areas that are recognised for having high populations of child merchants and street beggars.
Uniformed officials were observed rounding up and escorting a large number of women with children, many of whom were suspected of being foreign nationals, into immigration cars.
According to eyewitnesses, the operation involved both direct interaction and quick evacuation from sidewalks and crossroads where the persons usually ask cars and pedestrians for alms.
Immigration sources claim that the operation is a component of a larger national effort to improve public safety, alleviate urban congestion, and combat child exploitation.
Additionally, the effort aims to locate and repatriate people who are illegally in the nation, especially those who may be involved in organized begging networks or trafficking.
The street beggars have turned into a national security danger, officials told Citi News Fred Duhoe, adding that steps are being taken to verify the identification of those detained and make it easier for non-Ghanaians to return home.
Given the apparent increase in child streetism and related social issues, many Ghanaians have voiced their support for the effort, calling it both important and opportune.
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