A total of 151 ECOWAS nationals have been intercepted after illegally making their way into Ghana’s jurisdiction while its borders with neighbouring countries are still closed.

They comprise 119 Nigerians, 22 Nigeriens, seven Beninoises, and three Ivorians, who gained entry through the unapproved border routes with the assistance of some cross-border syndicates.

This is barely two weeks after the erecting of a barrier initiated by the Ketu North Municipal Security Council (MUSEC) in collaboration with the Akanu Sector Command of the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS), at Akanu, on the Dzodze-Aflao road network to track the influx of illegal immigrants.

Mr Felix Klu-Adjei, Public Relations Officer, Volta Regional Ghana Immigration Service, who spoke to the Ghana News Agency said the foreign nationals had since been returned to neighbouring Togo after the necessary arrangements with the security authorities.

He said the proposal for the checkpoint was tabled in a Municipal Security Council (MUSEC) meeting by Assistant Commissioner of Immigration (ACI), Felix Agyeman-Bosompem, the Akanu Sector Commander of the GIS.

He said the new roadblock was to manage the border as well as coordinate and counter the illegal points of entry and exit strategically and effectively at the Ketu North border side.

“The Ghana Immigration Service is, therefore, cautioning all foreigners who are aiming to enter the country illegally to desist from such illegal practice since the land borders are not yet operational for human passage,” she said.

“The Ghana Immigration Service would like to express its profound gratitude to the good people of the Region for cooperating with the Command operations at the various checkpoints, borders.”.