Interior Minister Muntaka Mubarak has called on the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) to take a more proactive approach in addressing the increasing involvement of foreign nationals in illegal mining (galamsey) and other fraudulent activities.

During a recent visit to the GIS office in Kumasi, he highlighted the need for stronger enforcement and closer collaboration with the Police and other agencies to expedite deportations.

“We have made the decision to take tough actions against foreigners involved in illegal activities, especially those engaged in galamsey or cutting down trees, as well as those involved in fraud, commonly known as sakawa,” he said. “For these two crimes, our main goal is not prosecution; we are focused on deporting these individuals back to their home countries.”

He explained the deportation process. “If a foreigner is caught engaging in these illegal activities, we must ensure they are swiftly deported and placed on a stop list. We cannot allow them to continue harming our country,” he stressed.

He further emphasised the importance of quick action from GIS. “The Police, Military, or National Security may make the arrests, but once they do, GIS must act immediately. Do not wait for the handover. You need to demand that the detainees be transferred quickly to ensure the process is expedited,” he told the GIS officers.

Interior Minister also addressed the issue of deportation costs, making it clear that the government will not bear these expenses.

“We will not pay for repatriation. I have informed all embassies that they are responsible for covering the costs of sending their citizens back home. For example, in a recent case with a Ugandan national, we instructed the Ugandan embassy to purchase the ticket and arrange for the return of their citizen ” he revealed.

He reassured GIS officers, saying, “Rest assured, we have your back, we will support you. Our priority is to protect our country.”