The Volta Regional Command of the Ghana Immigration Service has intercepted 18 foreign nationals, suspected of being Nigeriens, along with three children, in an operation aimed at curbing irregular migration in the region.
Speaking to the media, the Volta Regional Commander, Deputy Commissioner of Immigration Peter Yao Nkrumah, disclosed that the individuals were apprehended at Golokwati after moving through several communities within the region. According to him, the group reportedly entered Ghana through an approved route around Akanu but later diverted through unapproved paths.
DCOI Nkrumah indicated that the suspects claimed they were brought into the country by facilitators posing as traditional medicine sellers. These facilitators, he noted, appear to be bringing in more individuals under the guise of engaging in the herbal medicine trade or other unspecified activities.
He further expressed concern that the intercepted individuals may lack the financial means to sustain themselves, raising suspicions that they could resort to street begging as a means of survival.
“As part of our immediate response, we intend to send them back to their point of entry,” he stated. “We want them to show us exactly where they entered so that we can reinforce security in those areas and prevent further unauthorised entry.”
The Regional Commander also appealed to residents in border communities to support the Service by reporting suspicious movements.
“We are urging community members to promptly inform the nearest immigration office whenever they observe unfamiliar persons entering or settling in their communities.”
He acknowledged the challenges posed by numerous unapproved routes used by migrants to enter the country. He stated that in some instances, local residents resist enforcement efforts by claiming that incoming foreigners are relatives, thereby facilitating their entry.
“In many border communities, some foreign nationals are already settled, and when new individuals arrive, they are often presented as family members. This makes our work more difficult, as our officers sometimes face resistance.”
He reiterated the need for stronger collaboration between immigration officials and local communities to address the situation effectively, stressing that without collective effort, the challenge of irregular migration would persist.
The Ghana Immigration Service has assured the public of its continued commitment to safeguarding the country’s borders while maintaining lawful and human migration practices.
By: Daniel Orlando/newsalertgh.com
