The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has reportedly arrested a woman suspected to be part of a criminal network trafficking street beggars to Ghana.
According to a report by Citi FM on X on August 30, 2026, the woman, who is currently in custody at the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) headquarters, was arrested during an intelligence-led anti-trafficking operation targeting organised street begging networks in parts of the Greater Accra and Ashanti regions on Saturday, August 29, 2026.
Additionally, several Ghanaians suspected of acting as local agents for the networks were also arrested.
It added that a man who allegedly attempted to harbour some of the beggars in his container was also arrested and is assisting with investigations.
The operation led to the arrest of 1,055 people, mainly West African nationals, according to the GIS.
The service said 662 children, 248 women and 145 men were among those picked up during the operation.
The GIS said the operation forms part of efforts to disrupt organised networks involved in exploiting vulnerable people through street begging.
In the Greater Accra Region, the operation targeted a number of locations identified as hotspots for organised street begging, including Abossey Okai, Sabon Zongo, Madina Zongo Junction, Madina, Ashaiman and Tema.
The operation in the Ashanti Region covered parts of the Kumasi Metropolis, including Asawase, Alabar, Akwatia Line, Dagomba Line, Sabon Zongo, Airport Junction and Aboabo.
The Ghana Immigration Service has arrested 1,055 people in an intelligence led anti trafficking operation targeting organised street begging networks in parts of Greater Accra and the Ashanti Region.
The operation, conducted on Saturday, August 29, resulted in the rescue of 662… pic.twitter.com/m1dzqbFPvb
— CITI FM 97.3 (@Citi973) August 30, 2026
