Over 2,000 Undocumented Migrants Arrested in Ghana Amid National Crackdown on Street Begging and Crime

 

In a sweeping crackdown aimed at dismantling criminal networks and curbing street begging in the capital, Accra, Ghanaian immigration authorities have arrested more than 2,000 undocumented foreign nationals. The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) confirmed that the operation, which took place in the early hours of Friday, was part of a larger national effort to protect public safety, combat illegal immigration, and address growing concerns about organized begging rings allegedly operated by foreign migrants.

The arrest of 2,241 individuals, including a shocking 1,332 children, has sparked widespread reactions across Ghana and West Africa. Officials say these arrests are necessary to maintain law and order, while some human rights advocates and affected migrants are questioning whether the sweeping action was fair, compassionate, and in line with international human rights obligations.

“Some of these foreigners engage in prostitution and street begging. It’s embarrassing: they come here and people think they are Ghanaians and they embarrass the good name of Ghana. If they go, the streets will be neat again,” said John Gyamfi, a 43-year-old spare parts dealer in Accra.

Why Did Ghana Carry Out This Crackdown?

According to a statement from Ghana Immigration Services, this recent operation was not random. It was a well-planned security exercise targeted at dealing with the growing number of undocumented migrants, many of whom are believed to have entered Ghana illegally through unapproved routes.

Muntaka Mubarak, Ghana’s Interior Minister, took to social media to explain the government's rationale. In a Facebook post, he said the operation was launched to combat activities that “pose a national security risk and damage the image of our country.”

Many Ghanaians have expressed concern that certain criminal activities—especially street begging, petty theft, and prostitution—have increased in parts of Accra and other major towns, and some of these are allegedly linked to foreign nationals without valid documents. The government believes this situation is tarnishing Ghana's international reputation as a peaceful and welcoming nation.

“Many of these individuals had entered Ghana through unapproved routes, bypassing essential immigration procedures,” Interior Minister Muntaka Mubarak said in his Facebook post.

Who Are the Migrants?

The migrants who were arrested come from various West African nations, primarily Burkina Faso, Togo, and Nigeria. A significant number also came from Niger and other conflict-ridden areas across the Sahel region. According to immigration authorities, many of these individuals entered Ghana through porous border regions, avoiding official immigration checks.

The West African Sahel is currently experiencing one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. Countries like Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have been plagued by jihadist violence, mostly linked to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State (ISIS). These violent conflicts have displaced millions of people, including women and children, many of whom are fleeing war, hunger, and persecution.

One of the detained migrants, Chamsiya Alhassan, a mother from Niger, tearfully told reporters from AFP while waiting to board a bus:

“Finding food has become a problem for us. Our husbands and relatives have been killed. We are here only to find something to eat.”

Her statement highlights the humanitarian aspect of this issue. For many migrants, Ghana was seen as a safe haven—a country where they might be able to rebuild their lives in peace, even if it meant entering illegally.

What Happens to the Arrested Migrants Now?

Following the mass arrest, Ghanaian authorities have announced plans to carry out both security and medical screenings for the detained individuals. These checks will help determine whether anyone poses a risk to public safety and ensure that those detained are healthy before repatriation.

The Ghana Immigration Service emphasized that all processes will be handled “with full respect for human rights”. Officials have reassured both the public and international observers that the deportation of these individuals will be done in a professional and dignified manner.

Mixed Reactions from Ghanaians

The mass arrest has triggered divided opinions among Ghanaians. Some believe the crackdown is a necessary step in addressing illegal immigration and keeping streets clean and safe, while others are urging authorities to consider the humanitarian crises driving these migrants to Ghana.

Supporters of the crackdown, like John Gyamfi, say the operation is long overdue and will help restore order:

“It’s embarrassing: they come here and people think they are Ghanaians and they embarrass the good name of Ghana. If they go, the streets will be neat again.”

However, critics argue that poverty and conflict, not criminal intent, are driving most of these people to Ghana.

Others worry that arresting women and children—especially those fleeing war-torn regions—could harm Ghana’s image on the global stage. Human rights activists are calling on the government to work closely with international bodies like the UNHCR and ECOWAS to ensure that genuine refugees are protected and given assistance rather than deported.

The Bigger Picture: West Africa’s Migration Crisis

This event is not happening in isolation. Across West Africa, economic hardship, political instability, and violent extremism have forced millions to flee their homes in recent years.

In particular, the Sahel region—a vast area stretching across parts of Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, and northern Nigeria—has become a hotbed of terrorism and displacement. According to the UN, over 3 million people in the region have been internally displaced, with thousands more crossing borders in search of safety.

Ghana, being one of the more stable countries in the region, is increasingly becoming a destination for displaced persons. However, the country’s immigration system is now under pressure, and officials are struggling to balance compassion with national security.

What This Means for Nigeria and Other ECOWAS Countries

A significant number of those arrested were reportedly Nigerians. This development raises questions about how well ECOWAS’ free movement protocols are working in times of crisis.

Under ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) agreements, citizens of member states are allowed to travel, live, and work in any other member state without a visa. However, this right is not absolute—countries still retain the authority to deport individuals who pose a security threat or who are staying in violation of national laws.

It remains to be seen whether Ghana will coordinate with Nigeria and other governments to ensure safe and humane repatriation of the detained individuals, especially children.

Final Thoughts

Ghana’s recent mass arrest of undocumented migrants is a powerful reminder of the complex challenges facing West African countries. While governments must take steps to ensure national security and enforce immigration laws, it is equally important to approach these issues with compassion, especially when dealing with victims of conflict and poverty.

The situation highlights the urgent need for regional cooperation, long-term solutions to violent extremism, and stronger humanitarian responses. Ghana, Nigeria, and other West African countries must work together to address both the root causes and effects of mass migration in a way that upholds the values of human dignity, peace, and regional solidarity.

NaijaRush will continue to follow this developing story. Stay tuned for updates, and follow us for the latest news across Nigeria, Ghana, and the West African region.