Ghana has removed more than 4,000 migrant beggars and other illegal immigrants from the country since 2025 as part of efforts to address irregular migration and protect national security.
Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak, disclosed this during the Government Accountability Series engagement with the media, where he addressed growing public concerns over the presence of migrant beggars and persons allegedly engaged in illegal activities on Ghanaian streets.
According to the Minister, by the end of 2025, a total of 2,281 migrant beggars and 774 other illegal immigrants involved in transnational organised crime had been removed from Ghana.
He said the government continued the exercise in 2026, with an additional 960 migrant beggars and 186 other illegal immigrants removed by July.
The figures bring the total number of people removed within the period to 4,201.
Mr. Muntaka said the government was undertaking the removals with full awareness of Ghana’s obligations under the ECOWAS Protocol on Free Movement of Persons, as well as the country’s diplomatic relations and longstanding ties with other nations.
He stressed that the government’s objective was to reduce irregular migration and unlawful activities associated with it to the barest minimum while ensuring that enforcement actions were lawful and respected human dignity.
The Minister acknowledged the concerns of Ghanaians over the increasing presence of beggars, particularly migrant beggars, on the streets, assuring the public that the government and security agencies had not ignored the situation.
He explained that Ghana’s reputation as a peaceful and stable country in the sub-region had made it an attractive destination for people fleeing economic and security challenges in other countries.
However, he said Ghana had a responsibility to protect its borders, maintain public order and safeguard its national security and economic interests.
Mr. Muntaka maintained that the major challenge confronting the government was not a lack of political will, security intelligence or leadership, but rather the scale of the situation.
He disclosed that there was a high-level consensus within government, supported by earmarked logistical resources, to increase the scale of removals and strengthen Ghana’s borders.
“Evidence of that will soon be apparent,” he assured the public.
The Interior Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to preserving Ghana’s tradition of hospitality while ensuring that national security, public order and the rule of law remained paramount.
He called for public understanding and support as the government and security agencies intensified measures to address irregular migration and activities associated with it.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
