The repatriation of children, especially foreign nationals found begging on the streets of Ghana, has ignited concerns regarding the government’s adherence to proper protocols. Bright Appiah, the Executive Director of Child Rights International, has voiced these concerns, emphasizing the State’s obligations under social protection. Mr. Appiah’s concerns highlight the urgent need for a more humane and rights-based approach to child repatriation in Ghana, ensuring that the best interests of the child remain paramount. The issue of child repatriation demands a careful examination of current practices and a commitment to upholding the rights and well-being of vulnerable children.

Speaking at a recent news conference in Accra, Mr. Appiah raised significant questions about the methods employed by the Ghana Immigration Service during operations aimed at removing beggars, many of whom are children, from key areas in Accra, including Kaneshie, Abossey Okai, and Kwame Nkrumah Circle.

“They find accommodation, and the next morning, they’re out on the streets. Buses pick them up and take them to various traffic lights to beg. At the end of the day, they return to those who organised this for them. This implies that, in effect, we are allowing these children to be here,” said Mr. Appiah, highlighting the organized nature of child begging and the need for systemic solutions.

Regardless of how children arrive in Ghana, whether by choice or coercion, the State has a fundamental duty to provide appropriate accommodation and care, aligning with national and international child protection laws, including the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and Ghana’s Children’s Act. This duty extends to the processes involved in child repatriation.

The laws emphasize prioritizing the best interests of the child, irrespective of nationality, during repatriation operations. This necessitates due diligence and humane treatment. Child Rights International urges the government to review its current approach to child repatriation to avoid potential legal challenges and ensure adherence to these crucial principles.

Mr. Appiah also questioned the capacity of the Ghana Immigration Service to effectively manage child protection responsibilities. He suggested that institutions like the Department of Social Welfare, with their specialized expertise, should ideally lead such functions.

Comprehensive data collection is crucial. Gathering biodata, conducting thorough needs assessments, and meticulously documenting information on rescued individuals, particularly children, ensures that interventions are targeted and effective. Understanding the background and specific needs of each child is critical for successful reintegration and the overall success of child repatriation efforts.

The State must also engage in bilateral discussions with the countries of origin of these children to develop sustainable and respectful solutions for child repatriation. Such collaboration avoids legal pitfalls and ensures that the best interests of the child are always prioritized, fostering a more humane and effective approach to this complex issue.

The concerns raised by Child Rights International regarding child repatriation protocols in Ghana underscore the urgent need for a more rights-based and humane approach. By adhering to international and national laws, prioritizing the best interests of the child, and fostering collaboration with relevant institutions and countries of origin, Ghana can develop sustainable solutions that protect vulnerable children. The government must review its current strategies to ensure they align with child protection principles and avoid potential legal repercussions. A focus on data collection, needs assessment, and comprehensive care is essential for the successful reintegration of these children, safeguarding their rights and well-being.