Immigration Service sweeps undocumented migrants in Accra

The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has launched a targeted operation in parts of Accra aimed at removing street children and their guardians—many suspected to be foreign nationals—from the streets.

The operation follows growing public concern about the increasing number of street dwellers in major cities and the social and security challenges they pose.

The exercise, conducted in the early hours of Friday, May 16, focused on the busy commercial enclaves of Kaneshie and Abossey Okai.

Immigration officers, supported by operational vehicles, were seen rounding up women with children who were reportedly soliciting alms along sidewalks and traffic intersections.

According to officials, the operation forms part of a broader nationwide initiative to decongest urban areas, enhance public safety, and address growing concerns over the exploitation of children, particularly by undocumented migrants.

In a statement, GIS confirmed the operation and reiterated its commitment to upholding immigration laws while protecting vulnerable populations.

“The Ghana Immigration Service wishes to confirm an ongoing operation, commenced in the early hours of Friday, May 16, 2025, aimed at addressing the presence of undocumented migrants on the streets of Accra and other cities. We are currently assessing the outcomes of the operation and will provide further details to the public in due course.”

The GIS emphasized that the initiative is not only about enforcing immigration rules but also about ensuring that children are not subjected to unsafe and exploitative environments.

Authorities have hinted that further operations will be carried out in other parts of the country in the coming weeks.