Interior Minister justifies deportation of foreigners involved in galamsey

The Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mubarak, defends the government's deportation of foreign nationals. These individuals are involved in illegal mining, known as galamsey. He calls it a lawful and necessary action to address this growing issue.

Muntaka spoke at the opening of a new office for the Ghana Immigration Service in Asante Mampong. He explained that deportation is a quick response to illegal activities. Detaining and prosecuting foreign offenders can be logistically challenging in Ghana's justice system.

The country lacks adequate police cells and prison facilities for these individuals. This makes holding them until trial slow and complex. Muntaka emphasized that quickly removing them serves Ghana’s best interests.

He assured that the deportation process is not arbitrary. Comprehensive measures are in place to handle those being deported properly. Fingerprints and biometric data of deportees are collected during this process.

Trained immigration officers escort deportees back to their home countries. They hand over these individuals to local authorities for any further legal actions. The Minister revealed that 107 foreign nationals have been deported so far, with 13 more undergoing repatriation procedures.

All deportees will be permanently barred from re-entering Ghana. The event on March 11 also recognized Mr. Yaw Amponsah Marfo's philanthropic efforts. He sponsored the construction of the immigration facility in Asante Mampong.