In a decisive move to tackle the growing issue of child streetism and illegal residency, Ghana Immigration officers on Friday, May 16, conducted a major operation in Accra, targeting known hotspots for street children and their guardians. The early morning exercise covered areas like Kaneshie, Abossey Okai, and Kwame Nkrumah Circle, where the concentration of street beggars and child vendors has been rising.
During the operation, over a thousand children and their guardians were rounded up, with many suspected to be foreign nationals. Immigration officials escorted the detained individuals into vehicles, removing them from sidewalks and traffic intersections where they typically seek alms from motorists and pedestrians.
Operation Targets Child Exploitation and National Security
According to senior Immigration sources, the crackdown is part of a broader effort to decongest urban areas, enhance public safety, and combat child exploitation. The initiative aims to identify and repatriate non-Ghanaians, particularly those suspected of being trafficked or linked to organized begging networks.
Speaking to Citi News, an Immigration official highlighted the security risks posed by unregulated street populations, stressing the need for coordinated action to address the issue. The official noted that the operation is ongoing, with further verification of identities and repatriation plans in the works.
Community Reactions and Broader Implications
The operation has sparked a mix of reactions, with many Ghanaians supporting the move as a necessary step to address the visible rise in streetism and associated social problems. However, child rights advocates have called for a more holistic approach that addresses the root causes of child streetism, including poverty, lack of education, and cross-border migration.
Dr. Ernestina Tetteh, convener of the Coalition for Street-Connected Children Organisation (CSCCO), recently expressed concern over the worsening situation, noting that children from neighboring countries like Chad and Niger have become a significant part of the street population in Accra.
“We are seeing a significant rise in the number of street-connected children, many of whom come from neighboring countries. This is not just a local issue but a regional challenge that needs collaborative solutions,” Dr. Tetteh said in a recent radio interview.
As the crackdown continues, there are growing calls for a comprehensive national strategy to address the complex factors driving child streetism, including improved border controls, targeted social interventions, and stronger regional cooperation.
