The Ghana Immigration Service in the Volta Region has intercepted 20 undocumented migrants at Asikuma, following suspicions triggered by conflicting travel claims and the absence of valid documentation.
The Volta Regional Commander of the Ghana Immigration Service, Deputy Commissioner of Immigration (DCOI) Peter Yaw Nkrumah, disclosed that the group is made up of individuals of different nationalities. According to him, some of the migrants claimed to be Nigerians, others Togolese, while a few alleged they were from Burkina Faso and Niger.
DCOI Nkrumah stated that the migrants provided inconsistent accounts of their intended destinations. While some indicated they were en route to Côte d’Ivoire, particularly Abidjan, others claimed they were heading to Madina, a suburb of Accra. These discrepancies, coupled with their inability to produce any valid travel documents, heightened suspicion and led to their interception.
He further noted that the group’s location at the time of arrest did not correspond with their stated travel routes. Travellers moving from Aflao toward Abidjan would ordinarily pass through Sogakope, not Asikuma, making their presence in the area questionable.
“Their stories are inconsistent, and they are unable to provide any valid travel documents to support their movement from one point to another. In such circumstances, it becomes difficult for us to admit them into the country,” DCOI Nkrumah stated.
He emphasised that travellers are expected to have clear knowledge of their destination and purpose of travel, requirements that the intercepted individuals failed to meet.
“They do not seem certain about where they are going or what they intend to do upon arrival. That makes it impossible for us to process their entry,” he added.
Following preliminary investigations, the Ghana Immigration Service has decided to return the migrants to their reported point of entry at Aflao, in line with established immigration procedures.
DCOI Nkrumah stressed that the decision is aimed at safeguarding the country’s borders and ensuring strict adherence to immigration laws. He also commended officers for their vigilance and professionalism in handling the situation.
The Ghana Immigration Service has reiterated its commitment to strengthening border control measures and ensuring that only individuals with proper documentation and clear travel intentions are granted entry into the country.
By: Daniel Orlando/newsalertgh.com
