In a determined bid to tackle the growing presence of street dwellers, particularly minors from neighboring countries, the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) conducted a significant operation on the morning of May 16, 2025, in the bustling suburbs of Kaneshie and Abossey Okai, Accra. This initiative is part of a larger nationwide effort aimed at reinforcing immigration laws and enhancing public safety.
The operation saw immigration officers engaging with individuals found on the streets, many of whom were women and children believed to be foreign nationals. With increasing concerns about child exploitation and illegal residency in Ghana, the GIS has made it a priority to decongest the streets and ensure the safety of vulnerable populations. The officers escorted numerous individuals from sidewalks and intersections in a coordinated effort to address this critical issue.
Dr. Ernestina Tetteh, Convener of the Coalition for Street-Connected Children Organisation (CSCCO), had earlier raised alarms about the rising number of street-connected children from Chad and Niger. In a recent interview, Dr. Tetteh noted the escalating crisis of child streetism, which she emphasized has shifted from what was once a manageable situation to a more systematic challenge. “Statistics are hard to come by,” she stated, “but the numbers are growing by the day.”
.jpg "Immigration Service Launches Operation to Clear Streets of Kaneshie and Abossey Okai of Street Children")
For many of the migrants, survival has become a daily struggle. One detained woman explained, “Finding food has become a serious problem for us. Our husbands and relatives have been killed, and we can no longer stay in our home country. We are here only because we need to survive.” This sentiment reflects the dire circumstances that have driven many to seek refuge in Ghana, often resorting to begging as their only means of subsistence.
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Public reactions to the GIS's crackdown have been mixed. While some praise the efforts to maintain order, others express empathy for the plight of the migrants. As one local noted, “If they were able to sell water or do any kind of work, they wouldn’t be in this situation.” Meanwhile, another community member expressed support for the initiative, stating, “We truly appreciate the government’s and the Immigration Service’s efforts.”
The GIS has indicated that this operation will continue in phases across other major cities in Ghana, with a clear focus on maintaining the orderly enforcement of immigration regulations and ensuring the welfare of all residents. As the initiative unfolds, it underscores the complexities of migration, public policy, and humanitarian concerns in a rapidly changing global landscape.