The National Coordinator of the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP), Albert Yelyang, has urged the Government of Ghana to exercise caution in its treatment of children detained during the ongoing migrant crackdown.
He warned that mishandling the issue could result in diplomatic repercussions, especially considering the fact that Ghanaians also reside in other countries within the sub-region.
Yelyang emphasized that children found engaging in certain activities in Ghana’s streets are unlikely to be acting on their own will. Instead, he said they are likely victims of external forces or deliberate actions by adults who relocate them across borders for exploitative purposes.
“Once the children are found engaging in certain acts, you know it’s not because they are doing so on their own volition, but that some other process is influencing them”
Albert Yelyang, National Coordinator of WANEP
He underscored the importance of balancing national security with respect for international and regional frameworks. Ghana, he noted, is a party to multiple conventions and protocols under ECOWAS and the broader international community that guide humane treatment of migrants and vulnerable groups.
“It behooves on the government of Ghana and the people of Ghana to do the right thing, bearing in mind that there are international protocols, conventions… frameworks that we need to do things mindful of”
Albert Yelyang, National Coordinator of WANEP
While acknowledging Ghana’s right to enforce its laws, Yelyang urged authorities to act with integrity and a sense of mutual respect. He explained that begging, although prohibited in Ghana, must be addressed within its full social context. “It is important that even as we are mindful of our own security, we should do things walking the thin line.”
He also warned that a harsh or hasty approach could affect Ghana’s standing with its neighbours and allies, and emphasized the need for diplomatic engagement with countries whose citizens are involved.
“We also might have Ghanaians who are in these other jurisdictions, so we have to go through the normal process, the due diligence… it is very important.”
Albert Yelyang, National Coordinator of WANEP
“I was happy to see that the Nigerien government and the agencies complied and cooperated very well to make sure that the right thing was done,” Yelyang said, applauding Niger for their cooperation in repatriating detained children and working toward reintegration.
Exploitation Orchestrated By Adults
Child rights advocate Bright Appiah also raised concerns about how the issue is being framed. He criticised the current approach for focusing narrowly on immigration violations instead of addressing the deeper social dynamics.
“Immigration service is the only organization leading this charge. That is my issue.” Appiah argued that many of the children entered Ghana illegally and stressed the need to rely on research and contextual understanding rather than assumptions, rejecting the idea that the children arrive in Ghana by legal means.
“Some of the children are in schools in their respective countries. So they sometimes come to this country to do this activity when they are on vacation.
“If you study clearly, you will realize that in a certain period, a number of them will be on the street and then when you compare it to another season you realize that they are minimal in terms of the numbers”
Bright Appiah, Child Rights Advocate
According to him, the fact that field research supports the view that these activities are organised and timed around school holidays, is indicative of adult orchestration.
Appiah insisted that none of the affected children willingly chose to beg in Ghana. Instead, he said they are brought in by adults who exploit them and collect the money they earn. “Some of these children, after the day’s work, go to somebody to render an account.”
“The issue is not only about whether they have breached migration laws, but it’s also a social protection matter that will require a comprehensive system to deal with”
Bright Appiah, Child Rights Advocate
Describing the matter as a serious concern that demands a robust and coordinated response, he called for an approach that tackles it at the roots and not one that merely glazed the surface.
As the government continues to navigate migration-related challenges, these calls for dignity, due process, and regional sensitivity highlight the complexity of protecting both national borders and human rights.
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