The recent operation by the Ghana Immigration Service to clear the streets of Accra of professional beggars is a welcome and commendable move.
It signals a renewed commitment to addressing a long-standing public concern that has evolved into a complex security and social issue.
Last week, the GIS conducted an early-morning swoop that took many by surprise. Backed by intelligence, the exercise led to the arrest of at least 2,241 individuals, including 1,332 children, mostly foreign nationals engaged in begging across various locations in Accra.
The beggars, who have made roadside alms solicitation their primary source of income, were removed from their usual spots and transported in state buses for processing.
According to the GIS, the operation was designed to repatriate undocumented foreign nationals humanely and disrupt the criminal networks that facilitate their activities.
What is particularly noteworthy is the professional and humane manner in which the operation was carried out.
The GIS has assured the public that the individuals detained are undergoing security and medical screening and are being treated with respect and dignity.
This approach is commendable and reflects Ghana’s commitment to upholding human rights, even as it enforces immigration laws.
However, while this initiative is praiseworthy, it must not be another temporary measure.
Past efforts to address this issue have often lacked follow-through. Many of those repatriated eventually found their way back into the country, leading to a repeat of the same cycle.
This recurrence suggests that street begging has become more than a survival tactic; it is now part of an organised, profit-driven system. Reports indicate that some of the beggars are recruited from neighbouring countries and managed by individuals who monitor their activities and collect proceeds from their daily sales.
It is also claimed that children are deliberately involved, sometimes sent ahead while adults remain in the background.
This exploitative system not only violates immigration laws but also endangers children and undermines public safety.
It is therefore essential that this issue is treated not only as a nuisance but as a national security and child protection concern.
The GIS alone cannot tackle this problem. There must be sustained collaboration among immigration authorities, social welfare agencies, law enforcement, and local assemblies.
Border surveillance must be enhanced to prevent the re-entry of repatriated individuals.
The Ghanaian Publisher therefore commends the GIS for this decisive action. It is a step in the right direction and shows what is possible when intelligence-led enforcement meets professionalism.
However, this effort must be consistent and supported by a wider policy framework to ensure lasting results.