By Nicholas Osei-Wusu
The Minister for the Interior, Alhaji Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka, has insisted that the government’s decision to immediately deport foreigners complicit in environmental degradation and fraud does not breach any laws in Ghana. He explained that repatriation remains a lawful option available to the state in sanctioning such individuals.
According to the Minister, foreigners, particularly Chinese and Indians, who view Ghana as an attractive business destination and have been arriving in large numbers, are exploiting loopholes in the court system to engage in environmentally destructive activities in pursuit of wealth. He emphasized that the immediate repatriation of such offenders is a viable alternative to incarceration, which would otherwise worsen the already congested prison system.
He assured the public, however, that any expatriate implicated in serious crimes such as murder would be subjected to full legal proceedings, resulting in imprisonment followed by deportation.
Alhaji Muntaka made these remarks at Asante Mampong during the inauguration and handing over of a new office block for the Mampong Sector Command of the Ghana Immigration Service.
“The prison population in Ghana today is about 14,000. Yet, the maximum capacity of all 48 prisons nationwide is around 8,000. For instance, the Kumasi Central Prison is designed to hold 500 inmates, but it currently houses 1,557. We don’t have the facilities or cells to accommodate these offenders. When we take them to court, the process is slow. They often get bail and disappear into other communities, continuing their harmful activities. Should we persist with this slow process when the law clearly allows us to repatriate them? We involve the respective embassies before deportation. We are not merely putting them on flights without protocol,” the Minister said.
He further pointed out that Chinese and Indian nationals, in particular, have found Ghana to be a favorable business environment and are arriving in increasing numbers. However, he stressed that they would not be allowed to exploit Ghana’s water bodies.
“Ghana has become a preferred destination for many. In 2024 alone, 7,000 Chinese nationals and 8,000 Indians applied for residency in Ghana. Why are they coming here? It’s because there are opportunities for business. We welcome clean business. We want them to help build our country, not destroy it,” the Interior Minister emphasized.
Alhaji Muntaka acknowledged the longstanding infrastructural challenges faced by the Ghana Immigration Service and affirmed the government’s commitment to resolving the issue.
He announced that, with the new facilities in place, the Mampong Sector Command would be upgraded to a Regional Command, with plans to designate it as a Passport Processing Centre.
Until now, personnel at the Asante Mampong Sector Command of the Ghana Immigration Service operated out of limited office space provided by the Municipal Assembly.
The construction of the new one-storey office block was fully funded by the Chief Executive of VIP Transport Company, Yaw Amponsah Marfo, popularly known as ‘Agya Wiase’ or ‘Yesu Dea’,who hails from the Mampong Traditional Area.
The facility includes offices, retention cells, and washrooms, and is fully furnished. ‘Agya Wiase’ also donated a brand new Nissan pickup vehicle to support the operational needs of the Sector Command.
Previously, ‘Agya Wiase’ had independently financed and furnished offices for the Ashanti North Regional Police Command in Asante Mampong, as well as the District Headquarters and residential accommodation for staff of the Asaam District Police in the same municipality.
Explaining his motivation, the philanthropist stated, “I believe it’s not just about making money, but about having a positive impact on society. This project is a testament to my values and goodwill. My goal is to make a difference in the lives of Ghanaians.”
The Controller General of the Ghana Immigration Service, Samuel Basintale Amadu, acknowledged that infrastructure deficits remain a major challenge to the efficiency of the service. He pledged to prioritize finding sustainable solutions and urged the public to support the service by providing information on unlawful immigration and the activities of undocumented foreigners.
The Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, praised ‘Agya Wiase’ for his selfless contribution to the state. He assured the philanthropist of the government’s support and commitment to partnering with him on future development projects.
As a gesture of appreciation, the Ghana Immigration Service presented ‘Agya Wiase’ with a specially designed plaque for his role in improving the accommodation and transport needs of the Mampong Sector Command.
