The Minister for Interior, Muntaka Mubarak has announced that the government’s crackdown on organised street begging will soon be extended to other regions beyond Accra, following the arrest of over 2,200 foreign nationals in a major enforcement operation.

In a Facebook post on Friday, 16 May 2025, the Minister disclosed that the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) had arrested a total of 2,241 foreign nationals during a targeted, intelligence-led operation in the Greater Accra Region.

The exercise, carried out in the early hours of the morning, aimed to dismantle networks believed to be behind the growing problem of organised street begging in the capital.

Among those detained were 909 adults and 1,332 children, comprising 961 males and 1,280 females.

Mr Mubarak commended the GIS personnel involved, describing their efforts as a vital contribution to national security.

“I want to commend the personnel of GIS for their commitment to national security,” he wrote.

However, the Minister’s remarks also made clear that this was only the beginning of a broader campaign.

“I have seen the public reactions and calls for similar actions in places like Kumasi, Tamale, and other communities. Please be assured that this is a nationwide exercise that began in Accra and will be extended to other regions soon.”

The Minister appealed for public support and cooperation as the operations move into new areas, calling on citizens to play a role in ensuring the safety and orderliness of their streets.

“Let’s work together to keep our streets safe,” he urged.