Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak, Minister of Interior, has disclosed that 107 foreign nationals involved in illegal mining (galamsey) and other fraudulent activities have been repatriated.
He emphasized that any foreigners arrested in future operations will be deported without hesitation.
Speaking at the Police Regional Commanders’ Conference on Friday, March 21, the Minister reiterated the government’s firm stance against illegal mining and foreign involvement in such activities.
“I have written to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) that from now on, any equipment found at galamsey sites or in forests must have its tax details traced to the owners,” he stated. “If you are renting out your bulldozers or other equipment to galamsey operators while staying at home, we will track the tax records and come for you.”
On the matter of foreigners involved in illegal activities, the Minister reaffirmed the government’s strict approach.
“The foreigners we find in our forests, what do we do with them? Since I became Interior Minister, we have repatriated well over 107 foreign nationals caught in fraud and galamsey operations,” he added.
He further clarified that any foreigner found in Ghana’s forests should be immediately reported to immigration authorities for deportation.
“Our first option is always to send them back to their countries, and we will not compromise on this.”
The Minister also warned police officers who fail to comply with these directives.
“I have written to the IGP, and I insist that if any commander fails to forward arrested foreigners for repatriation, it will mean they do not want to be part of this regime,” he cautioned, adding that such officers would be reassigned to areas where they would not have to deal with galamsey or illegal activities.
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