The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has reported that over 90% of the 2,244 foreign nationals arrested in its ongoing crackdown on street begging are Nigeriens.
According to a GIS statement, 2,073 of the detainees are from Niger, with 138 Nigerians, 28 Burkinabes, one Guinean, and one Malian also in custody.
The operation, aimed at clearing streets of beggars and tackling criminal networks, involves mandatory profiling and security screening of all detainees, with segregation by gender and age to meet international standards.
The GIS confirmed that 925 individuals, including 819 Nigeriens and 106 Nigerians, have been repatriated to their home countries following delays in screening processes last week.
To manage overcrowding, arrests have been temporarily suspended, but the GIS assured that the operation will resume soon.
According to the service, detainees at the holding centre are receiving meals and medical care, and the agency emphasized its commitment to humane treatment in line with migrants’ rights.
“The Special Operation is being conducted humanely in compliance with the rights of all migrants,” the GIS stated.
GIS also called for public support for its efforts to enhance national security and migration management.
Source: www.ghanaweb.com
