Govt adopts deportation policy for foreigners involved in galamsey, cyber fraud – Interior Minister Muntaka

The government has announced a new policy. Foreign nationals arrested for crimes will be deported instead of prosecuted. This includes illegal mining and cyber fraud in Ghana.

Interior Minister Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka shared this information during a visit to Kumasi. He met with the Ashanti Regional Police Command on April 4, 2025.

Muntaka explained that the decision aims to protect Ghana’s environment. It also seeks to safeguard citizens from fraud by foreign criminals.

Investigations have revealed complex criminal networks involving foreigners in Ghana. These individuals are illegally felling trees, engaging in galamsey, and committing cyber fraud.

Mr. Muntaka stated, “What we found is alarming.” He described sophisticated systems set up by these criminals to exploit resources and defraud people globally.

Under the new policy, foreigners caught committing these crimes will be deported immediately. The focus will not be on prosecution in Ghanaian courts.

“For illegal mining and cyber fraud, our priority is deportation,” he emphasized. The Interior Minister is serious about this approach.

He directed police, prosecutors, and the Ghana Immigration Service to work together. They must enforce this policy effectively across the country.

Muntaka noted that police prosecutors have contacted the Attorney-General’s office for support. “We want them out of the country,” he stressed regarding those destroying the environment.

Additionally, deported individuals will be placed on Ghana’s stop list. This measure ensures they cannot re-enter the country after being deported.