The Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak, has ordered an immediate investigation into a disturbing viral video that appears to show Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) personnel in uniform aggressively dragging a sick United States deportee on the floor from a hotel at Ogbojo, Accra.

The incident, which caused widespread social media outrage, allegedly occurred despite indications that the individual was unwell and on medication.

A dramatic and tense situation unfolded at the VICSEM Hotel on November 11, 2025, as GIS officials attempted to forcibly remove a group of deportees recently repatriated from the United States.

Immigration officials were spotted in viral videos dragging a woman on the floor into a waiting vehicle.

The intention of their action is not clear but the attempted removal suggests officials were trying to move the individuals from the hotel facility where they were initially accommodated upon arrival.

The development attracted a sharp condemnation from human rights lawyer Oliver Barker-Vormawor.

Speaking on Joy FM's Super Morning Show on Monday, November 17, Alhaji Muntaka addressed the controversy directly, expressing deep regret and assuring the public of swift action to ascertain the facts and enforce professional conduct standards within the security services.

Immediate Investigation and Medical Context

Alhaji Muntaka confirmed that he has taken immediate steps to hold the GIS accountable and understand the circumstances leading to the use of force captured in the video.

"Well, let me say that it's just so unfortunate, and I've instructed the Comptroller General of Immigration to investigate that and get me a report on it, which I'm sure I should get this week."

He suggested a potential medical reason for the deportee's erratic behaviour, noting that the individual was likely undergoing a critical episode during the encounter.

"This lady was supposed to be on medication, and I think she didn't take her medication. So, I don't know if she became violent and that resulted in that. But I will not want to pre-empt the report that they will render to me."

Assurance of Dignity and Respect for West African Citizens

The minister strongly denied any implication that the government or its agencies are intentionally involved in the molestation or ill-treatment of individuals repatriated from the diaspora.

He emphasised Ghana's commitment to treating its foreign neighbours and deportees with dignity, particularly those from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

"I can assure you that we believe that we are brothers and sisters. Our brothers and sisters from the West African countries will be treated with the utmost respect. We will do everything humanely possible to treat them well just as we treat our own citizens."

Alhaji Muntaka asserted that the state does not sanction the mistreatment of US deportees:

"There's no any connivance or government involvement in trying to molest anybody that was brought in from the United States of America."

Protocol for Deportees and Embassy Coordination

Alhaji Muntaka detailed the standard operational protocol for handling individuals deported to Ghana, noting that the process is coordinated closely with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the relevant diplomatic missions in Accra.

The goal is to facilitate safe and voluntary onward travel or residency, provided there is no criminal background.

"We will continue to give them the best of services that we can and be able to encourage them to have their options. If you want to stay, then let the embassy pick you up. If you want to go back to your country, we'll facilitate your movement. And we'll do this with the involvement of their embassy because we call the embassies in. Sometimes they give us a travel certificate and then we'll move them to their country."

He reiterated that the core principle is respectful treatment and due process for all foreign nationals brought into the country:

"We continue to work with the foreign ministry and their various missions in Accra to make sure that every citizen of the West African that is brought into our country is treated with respect. And like I said, while that person doesn't have any criminal background and the person wants to stay, we'll encourage the embassy to come forward and pick them so that they can stay with them. As far as I'm concerned, almost everybody is gone."

The findings of the GIS investigation into the Ogbojo incident are now keenly awaited, with the report expected by the end of the week.