Interior Minister Alhaji Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka has stated that the government’s crackdown on organised street begging in Accra marks the start of a wider, nationwide campaign to address the issue.
In an official update posted on his Facebook page, the Minister disclosed that a recent operation by the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) resulted in the arrest of 2,241 foreign nationals involved in organised street begging in the Greater Accra Region.
The exercise was a sudden swoop that surprised even the public as motorists and bystanders held their breath, watching the smooth collection of those beggars from their regular spots of sleeping, begging or recreation.
According to the Minister, the operation was part of an ongoing initiative to restore public order and safeguard national security.
“I want to commend the personnel of GIS for their commitment to national security,” Muntaka stated. “I have seen the public reactions and calls for similar actions in places like Kumasi, Tamale, and other communities,” he wrote.
“Please be assured that this is a nationwide exercise that began in Accra and will be extended to other regions soon.”
The Minister also appealed for public cooperation as the operation expands beyond the capital, urging communities to support the effort to keep the streets safe and orderly.
“I count on your continued cooperation and support when the operations reach your communities,” he said, encouraging all Ghanaians to join hands with authorities,” he added.
—graphic online
