The government’s response, particularly the message from the Minister of the Interior regarding punitive measures for foreigners arrested in mining areas, is both disappointing and perplexing. Deporting them to their home countries, as a solution, can only be described as counterproductive.
It is absurd that Ghanaians involved in illegal activities are prosecuted, while their foreign counterparts are merely deported without facing the full weight of the law. This lack of legal accountability for the foreigners involved in the crime undermines efforts to deter such activities. Meanwhile, these individuals continue to harm our environment and water bodies.
Abraham Koomson, Secretary General of the Ghana Federation of Labour (GFL), expressed his concerns during an appearance on Adekyee Mu Nsem, a morning show on Ahotor 92.3 FM, hosted by Citizen Kofi Owusu in Accra. He argued that the Minister of the Interior should not compromise when it comes to upholding the law, especially regarding the serious environmental damage caused by illegal mining. He emphasized the urgent need for legal action to protect the environment and safeguard our water bodies.
Koomson strongly disagrees with the Minister’s stance and has called on labor unions to unite in the fight for the safety of the environment. He believes the current approach sends the wrong message and fails to address the root causes of the environmental degradation.
However, the government has stated that it will not waste time and resources prosecuting foreigners arrested for criminal activities in Ghana. Instead, they will be deported, according to the Interior Minister, Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka.
The Minister explained that this new policy is part of the government’s efforts to protect the country’s environment and shield its citizens from fraud committed by foreigners operating in Ghana. During a recent engagement with the Ashanti Regional Police Command in Kumasi, as part of his working visit to the region on April 4, 2025, Mr. Muntaka outlined some of the criminal activities involved, such as illegal mining, unlawful logging, and cyber fraud.
He revealed that investigations by security agencies had uncovered criminal networks involving foreign nationals who are exploiting Ghana’s forests. These individuals are engaged in illegal mining, unauthorized logging, and defrauding people worldwide through cybercrime.
“What we’ve uncovered shows the extent of destruction these criminals are causing globally, using a highly sophisticated system,” Mr. Muntaka said. “Many of them are operating in our forests, cutting down trees illegally, and engaging in galamsey activities, along with numerous other crimes.”
Under the new policy, foreigners arrested for illegal mining (locally known as galamsey) or cyber fraud will not face prosecution in Ghana.
“For these two crimes, when we arrest a foreigner, our primary focus is not prosecution. Our first priority is to deport them back to their home country. We are very serious about this,” the Minister stated.
Alhaji Muntaka also emphasized that police officers, who are often the first point of contact in such arrests, must collaborate with prosecutors and the Ghana Immigration Service to ensure the effective implementation of the policy.
He added that prosecutors within the police service had already written to the Attorney-General to facilitate the enforcement of the directive.
“Please note, when it comes to these two offenses, the prosecutors have officially written to the Attorney-General. We are not interested in prosecuting individuals who are destroying our environment and defrauding people globally,” he explained.
Story By: Alexander Kukah @kukahalexander7@gmail.com
