The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) is urging members of the public to stop giving alms directly to migrant beggars, particularly children, following its latest anti-human trafficking operation in the Greater Accra and Ashanti Regions.

The service says direct donations may be sustaining organised begging networks that exploit vulnerable migrants and children.

The appeal comes after GIS apprehended 1,055 people during the intelligence-led operation, including 662 children, 248 women and 145 men in an operation on August 29.

According to the service, some Ghanaian nationals are also suspected of acting as local agents for the exploitative begging networks.

The Comptroller-General of Immigration, Samuel Basintale Amadu, says removing the financial incentive from street begging will help reduce the profitability of organised networks and discourage traffickers from exploiting vulnerable people.

This was contained in a statement signed by Deputy Commissioner of Immigration (DCI) Maud Anima Quianoo dated August 29.

GIS is therefore encouraging members of the public who wish to support vulnerable persons to channel their donations through the Department of Social Welfare, recognised children’s homes, credible non-governmental organisations or other authorised charitable organisations.

The service says the move will ensure that assistance reaches people in need through appropriate structures while supporting efforts to combat human trafficking and exploitative street begging.

The 1,055 people apprehended during the operation have been transferred to a designated holding centre for profiling and immigration processing.

GIS says it is working with relevant stakeholders, including the Ministry of Gender and Social Protection, to ensure that victims, particularly children, receive appropriate care, protection and support throughout the removal process.