The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has revealed that it has intercepted and repatriated 1,089 foreign nationals who entered the Bono Region since the closure of the country’s borders.

In an interview with Joy News, the Immigration Regional Commander, Charles Yaw Bediako said the Service arrested these illegal migrants at various checkpoints in the region.

Breaking it down, he said GIS officers of Gonokrom has intercepted 62, Nkrankwanta; 221, Sampa; 272, Kofibadukrom; 133, Atronie; 17, Yawhima; 5, Tainso; 65, Abesim; 1, Berekum; 125, Atuna; 63,  Kwameseikrom; 125.

He made this revelation to Joy News’ Precious Semevor when the Immigration Service at Kato checkpoint arrested 20 foreign nationals for entering the country illegally.

The arrested persons included Burkinabe’, Ivoirians and Togolese who used unapproved routes into the country and were en route to Kumasi.

President Akufo-Addo ordered a closure of the country’s borders on March 21. By then, the country had recorded 21 cases of the Covid-19 pandemic with one fatality.

The President said the reason was to stop importation of the virus into Ghana.

All arrivals on the evening of the closure were mandatorily quarantined.

Of the over 1000 persons held, more than 100 tested positive for the new coronavirus, justifying the president’s decision.

Even though some people have called for the temporary opening of boarders, the president has refused to budge.

In his May Day address, Akufo-Addo extended the border closure by a month.

He said the extension is to enable the country to contain the coronavirus pandemic which is wreaking havoc across the world.

However, some head strong foreigners, particularly ECOWAS nationals continue to explore illegal means to enter into the country with the help of residents at the border and transport operators.

Commenting on citizen’s support to the illegal migrants, the Regional Commander described it as unfortunate and illegal.

He indicated that the people indulging in such acts make government’s efforts against the spread of Covid-19 futile.

“They think about the money they get from these people without thinking about the danger they put themselves and the country in.”

Mr Bediako then appealed to citizens to support the initiatives and directives of the authorities to win the fight against coronavirus.