Interior Minister Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak has directed an immediate investigation into a disturbing viral video showing Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) officers dragging a reportedly ill U.S. deportee across the floor of a hotel in Ogbojo, Accra.
The incident, which occurred on November 11 at the VICSEM Hotel, has sparked widespread public outrage. Human rights advocate Oliver Barker-Vormawor publicly condemned the officers’ conduct after the video surfaced, reigniting concerns about the treatment of deportees under state custody.
Speaking on Joy FM on November 17, Alhaji Muntaka described the footage as unacceptable and confirmed that swift action was already underway.
“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 stated.
The Minister revealed that preliminary information suggests the deportee may have experienced a medical episode.
“This lady was supposed to be on medication… I don’t know if she became violent and that resulted in that. But I will not want to pre-empt the report,” he cautioned.
Alhaji Muntaka firmly rejected allegations of abuse sanctioned by the state.
“There’s no connivance or government involvement in trying to molest anybody that was brought in from the United States of America,” he stressed.
He reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to upholding human dignity, whether dealing with citizens or foreign nationals.
“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,” he assured.
The Minister also highlighted standard procedures for handling deportees, noting the close coordination between the Interior Ministry, the Foreign Affairs Ministry, and various embassies to ensure safe voluntary travel or residency options.
“We will continue to give them the best of services… 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.”
The Ghana Immigration Service is expected to submit its full report on the Ogbojo incident within the week as the government seeks clarity and accountability.