The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has arrested more than 600 undocumented migrants, including hundreds of children, in a dawn operation conducted across parts of Kumasi in the Ashanti Region.

The exercise, carried out on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, targeted several communities identified as hotspots for the presence of foreign street beggars, a situation residents say has raised concerns over public nuisance and poor sanitation.

The operation, led by the Ashanti Regional Commander of the GIS, Deputy Commissioner of Immigration (DCOI) Fred Amankwa, began at about 3:30 a.m. and ended at 5:00 a.m.

It covered areas including Asawase, Alabar, Akwatia Line, Dagomba Line, Sabon Zongo and Aboabo.

In all, 606 individuals were picked up during the exercise, made up of 381 children, 72 females and 153 males.

The GIS has in recent years intensified operations targeting undocumented migrants engaged in street begging, particularly in urban centres such as Kumasi, where residents have repeatedly raised concerns about their presence.

Many of those affected are believed to be nationals of neighbouring countries, including Niger, some of whom were previously repatriated but are reported to have returned.

Authorities say the growing presence of street beggars has contributed to congestion and sanitation challenges in parts of the metropolis, prompting renewed enforcement actions.

The GIS is expected to continue screening and processing the arrested individuals in line with immigration procedures.

GIS arrest over 600 undocumented migrants including children in dawn operation in Kumasi

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