Accra’s ongoing efforts to address organized street begging have sparked debate about the most effective and ethical approaches. In a recent interview, Peter Lanchene Toobu, Vice Chairman of Parliament’s Defence and Interior Committee, advocated for a shift towards more compassionate and collaborative strategies. Toobu’s recommendations, highlighted during his appearance on Channel One TV on May 17th, call for ensuring dignity and facilitating responsible repatriation for individuals involved in street begging. The emphasis is on humane treatment and robust regional cooperation to address the complex factors contributing to this issue, with a particular focus on protecting vulnerable children. Toobu believes arresting and detaining individuals is not a sufficient solution; a more holistic approach is needed.

“It is not just a matter of arresting them. We should arrest them, we should treat them humanely,” stated Toobu, underscoring the importance of upholding the dignity of street children, irrespective of their nationality. This perspective challenges the notion that enforcement alone can solve the problem of street begging, calling for a broader consideration of the well-being and human rights of those affected.

According to Toobu, Ghana must strengthen its collaborative efforts with the countries of origin, particularly within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) sub-region. Such collaboration is deemed essential to ensure responsible repatriation efforts. Borders need to be more secure to prevent individuals from simply returning to street begging, and countries of origin must demonstrate a willingness to accept and treat repatriated individuals humanely. The lack of such collaboration undermines any enforcement efforts.

“When repatriating them, we should begin to look at collaboration between our country and the country of origin… Will you ensure that their country of origin accepts and treats them well?” Toobu questioned, highlighting the need for shared responsibility.

Toobu further advocates for a regional approach to supporting the welfare and development of street children. He characterizes the issue as a joint project within the ECOWAS sub-region, with the shared goal of supporting these children in becoming responsible citizens. This perspective shifts the focus from a purely national concern to a broader regional commitment to human development.

“These are children we are all trying to support for them to grow to become responsible citizens in the ECOWAS sub-region. It is a joint project and we need to collectively appreciate the fact that we are dealing with humanity,” he stated.

Implementing these collaborative solutions presents several challenges. Ensuring consistently humane treatment during enforcement and repatriation requires robust training and oversight. Securing effective cooperation and resource sharing among ECOWAS countries necessitates strong diplomatic efforts and a shared commitment to addressing the root causes of street begging in the countries of origin. The immediate steps to improve the situation include implementing training programs for law enforcement on humane treatment practices, establishing communication channels with countries of origin to coordinate repatriation efforts, and developing support programs for repatriated individuals in their home countries.

Peter Lanchene Toobu’s perspective offers a valuable framework for addressing street begging. His emphasis on treating individuals humanely while fostering collaboration within the ECOWAS region points toward a more sustainable and ethical approach. By prioritizing the welfare of vulnerable individuals and working collectively, Ghana and its neighbors can move beyond short-term enforcement measures and create lasting solutions that address the underlying causes of street begging.