Interior Minister justifies deportation of foreigners involved in galamsey
The Minister for the Interior and Member of Parliament for Asawase, Muntaka Mubarak, has defended the government’s ongoing deportation of foreign nationals involved in illegal mining, commonly referred to as galamsey, describing it as a lawful and necessary intervention to curb the escalating menace.
Speaking at the commissioning of a two-storey office facility and a vehicle for the Ghana Immigration Service at Asante Mampong in the Ashanti Region, the Minister explained that deportation is a more immediate and practical response, especially in light of the logistical challenges in detaining and prosecuting foreign offenders within Ghana’s justice system.
“The move is not arbitrary,” the Minister assured. He noted that comprehensive measures are in place to properly process those being deported.
“Fingerprints and other biometric data of deportees are being captured, and trained immigration officers are assigned to escort them to their countries of origin, where they will be handed over to relevant authorities for any further legal action.”
The Interior Minister revealed, that 107 foreign nationals have been deported under the initiative, with an additional 13 currently undergoing repatriation procedures. He added that all deportees would be permanently barred from re-entering Ghana.
The event, which happened on Friday, March 11, was held in recognition of philanthropic efforts by Mr. Yaw Amponsah Marfo, popularly known as “Agya Wiase,” who sponsored the construction of the immigration facility in Asante Mampong.
