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GIS intensifies crackdown on exploitative migrant street begging networks in Ashanti Region
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The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS), through its Ashanti Regional Command, has conducted an intelligence-led operation in the early hours of Tuesday, April 21, 2026, to rescue undocumented migrants from exploitative street begging networks in Kumasi.
The operation, which commenced at dawn yesterday, targeted identified hotspots including Asawase, Alabar, Akwatia Line, Dagomba Line, Sabon Zongo, and Aboabo.
A total of 606 individuals were rounded up, comprising 381 children, 72 females, and 153 males. Many of those rescued are believed to be victims of human trafficking and forced begging.
This exercise forms part of a nationwide GIS campaign to address the growing menace of organised street begging networks across the country.
In a related operation on April 15, 2026 in parts of the Greater Accra Region–including Abossey Okai, Zongo Junction, Nima, Madina, and Kaneshie–the Service facilitated the safe repatriation of 356 West African nationals to their home countries, namely Niger, Nigeria, and Burkina Faso.
In line with the ECOWAS Free Movement Protocol, which guarantees visa-free travel residence, and establishment rights for citizens of Member States, GIS emphasises that these operations are targeted at criminal exploitation and irregularities, not legitimate regional mobility.
The Service, in collaboration with the Nigerian High Commission in Accra, assisted 89 Nigerian nationals to regularise their documentation and facilitated their handover to relevant anti-human trafficking authorities in Nigeria
The GIS has also engaged various African diplomatic missions in Accra to ensure coordinated and humane interventions, particularly for the protection of vulnerable children and destitute persons.
The Comptroller-General of Immigration, Mr. Samuel Basintale Amadu, reaffirmed the Service’s commitment, stating: “The Ghana Immigration Service remains resolute in safeguarding Ghana’s borders and enforcing immigration laws, while upholding our obligations under the ECOWAS Protocol. We will continue to strike a balance between regional integration and decisive action against trafficking and exploitation.”
The public has been reminded that the Beggars and Destitute Act, 1969 (NLCD 392), prohibits street begging by both citizens and non-citizens. Offenders are liable to fines, imprisonment of up to three months, or both.
Members of the public have been encouraged to report suspicious activities involving foreign nationals to the nearest GIS office.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
The Accra Regional Police Command has arrested former professional boxer Michael Ayitey Okai, popularly known as “Ayitey Powers,” over an alleged threat of death against the Director-General of the National Sports Authority, Yaw Ampofo.
According to the Police, the 46-year-old former boxer was arrested on Monday, August 24, 2026, in connection with the alleged threat.
The Police said the arrest followed a video circulating on social media in which Ayitey Powers is alleged to have issued the threat against Mr Ampofo.
He is currently in Police custody and is assisting with investigations.
The Accra Regional Police Command said investigations are ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged threat and determine the appropriate action to be taken in accordance with the law.
The Command has urged the public to refrain from sharing unverified information about the matter while the investigation continues.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Minority Leader in Parliament Alexander Afenyo Markin has sued the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), Sammy Gyamfi, and Multimedia Group Limited over alleged defamatory comments made against him on the Newsfile programme.
In a writ filed at the High Court in Accra, Mr Afenyo Markin is seeking GH¢15 million in damages, an apology and retraction of the statements, among other reliefs.
The suit follows comments allegedly made by Mr Gyamfi during the Saturday, August 22, 2026 edition of Newsfile, hosted by Samson Lardy Anyenini.
According to the statement of claim, Mr Gyamfi described Mr Afenyo Markin as an “extortionist” while responding to a question about GoldBod’s reported profits and its position on losses arising from its operations.
The plaintiff claims that Mr Gyamfi repeated the allegation when the host sought clarification on whether he stood by the description.
Mr Afenyo Markin further claims that Mr Gyamfi challenged him to sue him and insisted that the allegation was true.
The plaintiff argues that the statements created the impression that he engages in extortion, uses his political influence to put improper pressure on public institutions and officials, and conducts himself in a manner inconsistent with the standards expected of a lawyer and public office holder.
He denies the allegations and maintains that he is not an extortionist and has never engaged in the conduct alleged by Mr Gyamfi.
The Minority Leader also argues that the comments were made maliciously and were presented as facts without evidence being disclosed.
He claims the statements have damaged his reputation, professional standing and public image, particularly because of his position as a senior political figure and legal practitioner.
The suit also names Multimedia Group Limited as a defendant because, according to the plaintiff, the alleged defamatory comments were broadcast through JoyNews and subsequently circulated on social media platforms, including X, Facebook and YouTube.
Mr Afenyo Markin claims Multimedia failed to stop the comments or deactivate Mr Gyamfi’s microphone after the allegations were made.
He is therefore asking the court to award him general, aggravated and exemplary damages, as well as GH¢15 million in compensation and legal costs.
He is also seeking an order compelling the defendants to issue a full, unconditional and unequivocal retraction and public apology.
The plaintiff wants the apology and retraction to be given similar prominence and reach as the original publication, including through JoyNews and the social media platforms where the comments were disseminated.
He is further seeking a permanent injunction preventing the defendants from repeating the alleged defamatory statements or words with a similar meaning.
The writ requires the defendants to enter an appearance within eight days after being served.
It warns that failure to do so could result in judgment being entered in their absence.
The case was filed by lawyer Paa Kwesi Abaidoo of Dehyena Chambers on behalf of Mr Afenyo Markin.
By: Jacob Aggrey
