GIS intercepts 18 suspected Nigerians in Volta Region over illegal entry

The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) in the Volta Region has intercepted 18 suspected Nigerian nationals, including three children, who entered the country through an unapproved route in the Aflao in the Ketu South Municipality.

According to the Volta Regional Commander, Mr. Peter Yao Nkrumah, officers at Leklebi Darfo detained the group and informed him of the arrest. He instructed that the suspects be brought to the regional command in Ho for further interrogation.

Investigations revealed that the group first settled at Dzodze after crossing into Ghana. They later moved to Avedapa and then to Hohoe before being apprehended at Golokuati by GIS officers. He reaveled that, upon interogation the GIS suspected that they suspects were aided and brought in by individuals posing as traditional medicine sellers.

The Commander said the Service believes some earlier arrivals who presented themselves as local medicine vendors are now facilitating the entry of others to either continue their trade or engage in different activities. He added that the group appeared to lack adequate funds and may have resorted to street begging if not intercepted.

In response, GIS plans to repatriate the 18 individuals to their point of entry. The Commander stated that the suspects will be asked to identify the exact route they used so that officers can be deployed to secure those border areas and prevent similar incidents.

He appealed to residents of border communities, especially in Dzodze, to report any suspicious persons to the nearest immigration office. He noted that community members may have seen the group during their stay and urged them to cooperate with security agencies to protect the borders.

The Commander also disclosed that about 417 GIS officers are currently stationed in Aflao to strengthen surveillance. He expressed concern over interference from some foreign nationals already settled in communities like Gali Tsorfe, who often claim new arrivals are their relatives and resist immigration operations. He warned that such actions undermine border security and called for public cooperation to address the challenge.