'We can’t keep 80 Chinese in jail and feed them' – Deputy Interior Minister justifies deportation over prosecution

Deputy Interior Minister Ebenezer Terlarbi has ignited public debate. He made comments on Joy News’ PM Express. He defended the government's new approach to illegal mining suspects. This approach prioritizes deportation over prosecution, especially for foreign nationals.

His remarks follow a directive from Interior Minister Muntaka Mubarak. The directive instructs the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to transfer police commanders in mining areas. This move aims to strengthen the fight against galamsey, which many believe has stalled.

The focus of the discussion was on deporting foreign nationals involved in galamsey operations. This includes Chinese citizens who are caught without trial.

Terlarbi stated, “Let’s be realistic.” He explained that arresting many Chinese nationals creates logistical challenges. Finding places to keep them and transporting them to court is difficult. Often, they succeed in getting bail after going to court.

He argued that keeping foreign galamsey suspects in Ghana's prisons is burdensome. The prison system is already overstretched with 1,400 inmates. Feeding these inmates poses a problem as well.

“If there’s a way not to exacerbate the situation,” he said, “I would opt for sending them back home.”

When asked why Ghanaians face legal processes while foreigners do not, Terlarbi responded cautiously. He acknowledged double standards but cited operational difficulties as a reason.

He noted that arrested foreigners often demand their rights and have lawyers. They need to be proven guilty by courts, which complicates matters further.

Terlarbi pointed out that some suspects arrive without proper identification. This makes it hard to establish their identities once they enter the system.

He admitted that legal challenges exist for both local and foreign suspects but hinted at undisclosed complexities behind the scenes. “There are things I wouldn’t like to disclose,” he said cryptically.

He warned that if not careful, Ghana could lose this fight against illegal mining again.

While this policy stems from logistical issues, critics view it as a surrender of sovereignty. They see it as unequal justice being served in favor of foreign nationals.

The Deputy Minister's defense highlights tensions between practical governance and public expectations for fairness in law enforcement.