Authorities in Ghana have carried out a significant deportation exercise, sending dozens of foreign nationals, including a large contingent of Nigerians, back to their home countries. The action follows court convictions for a range of criminal activities.
Court Orders Lead to Mass Deportation
The Ghana Immigration Service, acting on various court rulings, has deported a total of 68 foreign nationals from the Ashanti Region. The group is comprised of citizens from several West African nations.
Forty-two Nigerians formed the largest single group among those expelled. They were found guilty by Ghanaian courts for offences linked to prostitution, fraud, and involvement with the Q-Net scheme. Other nationals removed include 13 from Cameroon, 3 from Ivory Coast, 3 from Burkina Faso, and 7 from Benin.
Official Announcement and Commendation
The Ashanti Regional Minister, Frank Amoakohene, made the disclosure public via a post on his social media channels. He provided a breakdown of the nationalities and the legal basis for the deportations.
In his statement, Amoakohene praised the conduct of the operation. He specifically commended the Ghana Immigration Service for its professionalism, diligence, and firm commitment to enforcing the country's immigration laws. He noted that the service upheld due process and respected human dignity throughout the exercise.
Collaboration for Public Safety
The minister highlighted the importance of inter-agency cooperation in maintaining law and order. He stated that the collaboration between the immigration service, the courts, and other security agencies continues to strengthen public safety in the region.
This coordinated effort, according to Amoakohene, plays a crucial role in protecting vulnerable persons and preserving law and order within the Ashanti Region. The deportation underscores Ghana's ongoing efforts to address criminal activities involving foreign nationals.
This incident occurs against a backdrop of increased reports detailing heightened scrutiny and mass arrests of Nigerian citizens in various countries abroad. The development is likely to draw attention from diplomatic channels and communities affected by the enforcement action.
