Foreigners involved in galamsey and fraud will be deported, not prosecuted – Interior Minister

Source: Nana Boaky Yiadom

Interior Minister Muntaka Mubarak has announced a new government policy under which foreign nationals caught engaging in illegal mining (commonly known as galamsey) and fraudulent activities will be deported instead of prosecuted. According to the Minister, the NDC government is not focused on taking these individuals through Ghana’s legal system, but rather aims to remove them from the country promptly to minimize their harmful influence.

Speaking during an engagement with the Ashanti Regional Police Command, the Minister emphasized that foreign nationals have been a major force behind illegal mining, which has significantly damaged the environment, especially forest reserves and water bodies. To address this, the government is prioritizing their deportation as a swift and practical solution.

The policy also extends to foreigners involved in internet fraud, scamming, and related financial crimes. Minister Mubarak stressed that such individuals, once arrested, will not be allowed to remain in the country to go through prosecution but will be deported to their countries of origin.

This decision follows recent efforts by security agencies that led to the arrest of 107 foreign nationals accused of illegal mining and fraud-related offenses. The deportation process for these individuals is currently underway, reinforcing the government’s resolve to tackle the issue head-on.

According to the Minister, the presence of foreign nationals—particularly Chinese citizens—has been a key factor in the rise of illegal mining operations. These activities not only damage the environment but also pose a threat to the country’s long-term development and resource sustainability.

He added that this deportation strategy forms part of a broader national agenda to restore order and strengthen law enforcement across sectors. It is also aimed at discouraging other foreigners from engaging in criminal activities in Ghana.

The Interior Minister revealed that the government is working closely with the Attorney-General’s Department to ensure that the legal framework surrounding this new policy is sound. He indicated that discussions with the Attorney-General are at an advanced stage, and the policy will be implemented in line with both national and international legal standards.

In summary, the government’s new approach reflects a commitment to protecting the country’s resources while maintaining law and order. Rather than getting entangled in long legal processes, the NDC administration believes deportation offers a more immediate and impactful response to the rising cases of foreign involvement in illegal mining and financial crimes.