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Minister for the Interior and Member of Parliament for Asawase, Muntaka Mubarak, has justified the government’s ongoing deportation of foreign nationals involved in illegal mining, widely known as galamsey. He described the measure as both lawful and essential in tackling the growing threat posed by the activity.
Speaking at the commissioning of a new two-storey office complex and the presentation of a vehicle to the Ghana Immigration Service in Asante Mampong, Ashanti Region, the Minister emphasized that deportation offers a practical solution given the constraints of Ghana’s justice system.
According to Muntaka, the country lacks sufficient infrastructure—such as detention centers and prison space—to effectively accommodate and process foreign nationals through the courts, especially considering the lengthy nature of legal proceedings.
“The move is not arbitrary,” he clarified, adding that the approach is guided by established protocols. “Fingerprints and other biometric data of deportees are being captured, and trained immigration officers are assigned to escort them to their countries of origin, where they will be handed over to relevant authorities for any further legal action.”
He noted that the rapid removal of illegal miners from Ghana’s territory serves the nation’s broader interests, particularly as efforts intensify to combat environmental degradation caused by galamsey operations.
So far, 107 foreign nationals have been deported under this initiative, with another 13 currently being processed for repatriation. The Minister also disclosed that all individuals deported under this program will be permanently banned from re-entering the country.
The event on Friday, March 11, also honored the philanthropic contribution of Mr. Yaw Amponsah Marfo, popularly known as “Agya Wiase,” who funded the construction of the immigration office in Asante Mampong.
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