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The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has announced the successful repatriation of 925 undocumented migrants, most of whom were arrested during a major anti-street-begging operation in Accra on Friday, May 16, 2025.
According to a statement released by the GIS on Monday, May 19, the repatriated individuals include 819 Nigeriens and 106 Nigerians, with the process beginning promptly on Saturday, May 17.
“Repatriation was initiated in the morning of Saturday, 17th May, 2025. At the time of this release, 925 persons have been successfully repatriated, and processes are underway to remove the rest,” the statement noted.
The GIS-led intelligence operation resulted in the arrest of 2,241 individuals, many of whom were engaged in organised street begging. These individuals are currently held at a designated Holding Centre, awaiting further repatriation.
Breakdown of Nationalities of Those in Detention:
- Nigeriens: 2,073
- Nigerians: 138
- Burkinabe: 28
- Guinean: 1
- Malian: 1
The GIS assured the public that the migrants underwent profiling and security screening in line with AU protocols and international best practices. The service also implemented segregation based on gender and age to ensure humane treatment.
“Immigrants were also segregated based on their gender and age, in line with international best practices,” the GIS noted.
To safeguard the well-being of those detained, GIS stated that:
- Meals are being provided.
- A clinic is on standby to offer medical care.
- Detention protocols are being followed strictly according to standard operating procedures.
This repatriation forms part of a broader government crackdown on organised street begging, which Minister for the Interior, Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka, previously announced would be expanded nationwide after beginning in Accra.
The GIS reiterated its commitment to maintaining public order and national security while working in coordination with relevant authorities to handle migration issues humanely and lawfully.
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