Ghana’s Interior Minister and Member of Parliament for Asawase, Muntaka Mubarak, has justified the government’s controversial decision to deport foreign nationals involved in illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, arguing it is a lawful and pragmatic measure aimed at swiftly combating the environmental crisis.
Speaking at the commissioning of a newly built two-storey office complex for the Ghana Immigration Service in Asante Mampong, the Minister described deportation as a strategic response to the country’s limited capacity to detain and prosecute foreign offenders.
“Our justice system is stretched,” he stated. “We don’t have the infrastructure—police cells, prison space, or speedy trial mechanisms—to accommodate and process these individuals. Deporting them ensures immediate relief and sends a strong message.”
Muntaka emphasized that the deportations are not being done haphazardly. According to him, fingerprints and biometric data of the deportees are captured, and trained immigration officers accompany them to their home countries, where they are handed over to appropriate authorities.
So far, 107 foreign nationals have been deported, with 13 more undergoing repatriation procedures. All will be permanently barred from returning to Ghana, the Minister said.
The commissioning ceremony was also a moment of recognition for philanthropist Yaw Amponsah Marfo, popularly known as “Agya Wiase,” who fully funded the construction of the immigration facility—a move officials hailed as a patriotic contribution to national security efforts.
The event took place on Friday, March 11, and was attended by key stakeholders in immigration and security.
