Galamsey deportation without trial illegal – Martin Kpebu cautions Interior Minister

Legal practitioner Martin Kpebu has issued a strong caution to the Interior Minister and national security agencies, urging strict compliance with the law in handling foreign nationals involved in illegal mining (galamsey).

His warning follows reports that the Interior Minister plans to deport offenders without prosecution—a move Kpebu says clearly violates Ghanaian law.

Citing Act 995, Section 99(4), he explained that foreigners convicted of illegal mining must first serve their full prison terms before any deportation process can follow.

“We can’t skip court processes and deport them—that’s unlawful,” Kpebu emphasized. He urged the government to uphold due process to preserve the country’s legal integrity.

If changes are needed, he added, they must come through proper legislative amendments—not shortcuts that undermine Ghana’s rule of law and international credibility.