The Ghana Immigration Service has initiated a targeted operation in Kaneshie and Abossey Okai, focused on removing street children along with their guardians from public areas.
This operation, conducted in the early hours of Friday, May 16, 2025, was spearheaded by immigration officers as part of a larger strategy to tackle the increasing number of non-Ghanaian street dwellers, especially minors, in the key commercial districts of Accra.
Numerous women with children, many believed to be foreign nationals, were apprehended by immigration vehicles. Officers were observed interacting with individuals before guiding them away from the sidewalks and busy intersections where they frequently solicit donations from drivers and pedestrians.
Officials assert that this operation is part of a nationwide effort to alleviate street congestion, improve public safety, and combat child exploitation. It also seeks to identify individuals living in the country unlawfully and ensure adherence to proper immigration protocols.
Dr. Ernestina Tetteh, the Convener of the Coalition for Street-Connected Children Organisation (CSCCO), expressed significant concerns on May 8, 2025, regarding what she describes as the escalating and increasingly organized issue of child streetism in Ghana, particularly involving children from neighboring countries.
During her appearance on the Citi Breakfast Show, Dr. Tetteh highlighted the rising number of street-connected children, many of whom reportedly come from countries such as Chad and Niger.
‘Data is scarce; we only know that the numbers are increasing daily. They typically arrive from Chad and Niger.
This issue has persisted since my childhood, what we used to refer to as ‘salaka’. However, the situation has deteriorated significantly,’ she stated.
