Prosecute them, don’t just deport them – Awula Serwah slams gov’t over foreign criminals in Ghana

Awula Serwah is a lawyer and Coordinator of Eco-Conscious Citizens. She is unhappy with the government's decision to deport foreigners involved in crimes. Instead of prosecuting them, the government plans to send them away.

Speaking on UTV, she criticized this move. She called it unfair and disrespectful to Ghana’s justice system.

“How can you deport people destroying our environment without prosecuting them? It doesn't make sense,” she said.

Her comments followed a statement from Interior Minister Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka. He announced that foreigners arrested for illegal mining and logging would be deported after investigations.

Awula Serwah disagrees with this approach. “If a Ghanaian engages in galamsey or cyber fraud, we prosecute them here. Why should a foreigner be treated differently?” she asked.

She believes deportation without prosecution sends the wrong message. It could encourage more foreigners to misbehave, knowing they won't face real punishment.

“This is about rule of law,” she emphasized. “We can’t have two systems of justice – one for Ghanaians and one for foreigners.”

Awula Serwah urges the government to reconsider its approach. She wants stronger legal processes to deal with all criminals, regardless of nationality.

“If you commit a crime here, you should face the law here. Period!” she concluded firmly.