Muntaka explains why Ghana is deporting Chinese illegal miners instead of prosecution

Minister for Interior's Controversial Comments Spark Outrage

Mubarak Mohammed Muntaka, the Minister for Interior, has sparked public outrage. He stated that Ghana will deport foreign illegal miners without trial. He also mentioned that Ghanaian illegal miners would be prosecuted.

Muntaka explained that his ministry and the Attorney General decided against prosecuting foreign illegal miners. Instead, they plan to deport them permanently. He emphasized that these individuals cannot return to Ghana.

"I have officially written to the Attorney General," he said. "We want to send them back and put them on a stop list." He added that this policy targets those harming the environment or committing fraud.

The Minister revealed that 107 foreigners have already been deported since the policy began. Currently, 17 more are being processed for deportation. Their embassies are responsible for covering the costs of their removal.

During a recent meeting with police in Kumasi, Muntaka stressed their role as the first layer of security. "You are often the first point of contact when arrests happen," he noted.

He acknowledged that Ghana is becoming a popular destination worldwide, which brings challenges. "As more people come here, crime will likely increase," he warned.

Last year, 7,000 Chinese and 8,000 Indians entered Ghana for business purposes. A recent joint exercise revealed some Chinese citizens were involved in fraud activities.

To address this issue, Muntaka announced new security measures for Asian visitors. "Anyone coming from Asia must obtain security clearance from their home country," he stated.

He clarified that immigration officials will require this clearance along with a visa before entry into Ghana.

However, Muntaka expressed concern about some officers undermining the deportation policy. Some foreigners are being misidentified as Ghanaians by corrupt officials.

"If we find any officer involved in this misconduct, disciplinary action will follow," he warned police personnel. He urged them not to be swayed by false claims about individuals' identities.

Muntaka concluded by stressing the importance of enforcing these policies rigorously. "Failure to do so could jeopardize our peaceful reputation internationally," he cautioned.