The Ghana Immigration Service on Friday launched a targeted operation in two of Accra’s busiest commercial hubs, Kaneshie and Abossey Okai, rounding up dozens of street children and accompanying adults believed to be foreign nationals.

The early morning sweep, part of a broader national campaign, comes amid growing concerns over the rising number of non-Ghanaian minors living on the streets. Immigration officers were seen approaching individuals along sidewalks and intersections before escorting them from the area.

Authorities said the operation aims to ease urban congestion, improve public safety, combat child exploitation, and identify those residing in the country illegally.

The action follows recent warnings by Dr. Ernestina Tetteh, Convener of the Coalition for Street-Connected Children Organisation, who highlighted what she called a growing and possibly coordinated influx of children from neighboring countries such as Chad and Niger.

“Statistics are hard to come by; we only know that the numbers are growing by the day,” Dr. Tetteh said in a May 8 radio interview. “They usually come from Chad, Niger. This has been with us since I was a child, what we used to call salaka. But the issue has become worse than before.”

Officials have not disclosed how many individuals were taken into custody or the next steps in the process. The Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection is reportedly coordinating with stakeholders to develop long-term strategies addressing child streetism, including reintegration, education, and family support programs.

The operation reflects growing pressure on Ghanaian authorities to address the complex challenges posed by urban migration and vulnerable populations on city streets.

Source:TheDotNews