Nigerien community calls for crackdown on street begging in Ghana

The leadership of the Nigerien community in Ghana has appealed to the Ministry of the Interior to take firm action against individuals engaged in street begging, saying their activities are tarnishing the image of Nigeriens and Islam in Ghana.

Speaking on the issue, the Ashanti Regional Chief of the Nigerien Community, Mohammad Abubakar Sadia, said the Nigerien government provides social support to its citizens, and therefore questioned why some Nigeriens continue to engage in indiscriminate street begging in Ghana.

According to him, the situation is particularly concerning because basic education in Niger is provided free of charge, from nursery through senior high school, and citizens have access to various forms of social relief.

“Niger, from nursery to SHS, school is free, so they are not hungry. Rather, they are coming here to do begging business,” he stated.

Mohammad Abubakar Sadia further expressed his support for the measures being taken by the Minister for the Interior, Hon. Muntaka Mubarak, to address street begging and related activities.

He said the conduct of some individuals on the streets could create a negative perception of Nigeriens and Muslims generally, stressing that the issue goes beyond begging and concerns the image of the community and the religion.

“I support what the Interior Minister, Hon. Muntaka Mubarak, is doing because these people are tarnishing the image of Islam,” he added.

The Nigerien community leadership is therefore urging the authorities to intensify efforts to regulate street begging while ensuring that genuine vulnerable persons receive appropriate assistance through lawful and organised channels.