The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has commenced a mass repatriation operation targeting foreign nationals involved in street begging across Accra and other urban centers, with 925 out of 2,241 arrested individuals already deported.

In a press release issued on Monday, May 20, and signed by Head of Public Affairs Michael Amoako-Atta, the GIS revealed that the operation, launched earlier this month, is part of a broader strategy to clamp down on illegal migration and dismantle networks exploiting vulnerable individuals for street-level begging.

The foreign nationals, mainly from West African countries, were detained during special operations in major parts of the capital. The breakdown includes 2,073 Nigeriens, 138 Nigerians, 28 Burkinabes, and one each from Guinea and Mali.

According to GIS, all detainees have undergone comprehensive profiling and security screening, and are being held in line with international best practices, including separation by age and gender. Those in custody are being provided with regular meals and medical care, with support from the GIS Clinic.

The repatriation was originally scheduled to begin on Friday, May 17, but commenced on Saturday, May 18 due to extended screening procedures. So far, 819 Nigeriens and 106 Nigerians have been deported, with the remaining individuals awaiting processing.

To prevent overcrowding at the national holding facility, the GIS has temporarily suspended further arrests until additional repatriations are completed. Despite the scale of the operation, authorities say it is being carried out in a humane and rights-respecting manner.

“The GIS remains committed to its core values of professionalism and respect for human rights,” the statement noted. “We appreciate the cooperation of the general public and media throughout this exercise.”

The Service reiterated its role in maintaining Ghana’s immigration integrity, pledging to uphold a fair but firm system that ensures national security while addressing the humanitarian dimensions of migration.

The operation, which targets foreign beggars and associated criminal networks, is expected to resume in the coming days.