Some 1,005 irregular immigrants intercepted, removed from Ghana — Aflao Immigration

The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) at Aflao has intercepted and removed more than 1,005 irregular immigrants following intensified community engagement and intelligence-led operations between April and June 2026.

Deputy Commissioner of Immigration (DCOI) Mark Asamoah Boakye, Aflao Sector Commander, disclosed this in an interview with the Ghana News Agency, noting that the outcome was largely due to improved collaboration with border communities.

He said the engagements, particularly with the Zongo community and commercial motorbike (Okada) riders, had enhanced information sharing and early detection of undocumented migrants entering through unapproved routes.

DCOI Boakye revealed that a significant number of those intercepted were women and children, many of whom were trafficked into Ghana under false promises of employment but ended up being exploited.

He explained that some of the women were forced into prostitution, while children were used for street begging, with young boys in some cases pushed into illegal mining (galamsey) activities.

“These individuals are often deceived with promises of better opportunities, but unfortunately they end up being victims of abuse and exploitation,” he said.

The Sector Commander noted that most of these migrants originated from Nigeria and Niger where there are currently instabilities and insurgent activities.

He, however, assured that due to the vigilance of Immigration officers and support from the community, the victims were rescued, processed, and safely returned to their countries.

DCOI Boakye explained that community members now promptly alert Immigration officers when they identify suspicious persons, enabling swift intervention.

“In some cases, transport operators themselves bring such persons to our offices and even refund their fares, showing a clear understanding of the law and the implications of aiding irregular migration,” he said.

He added that the Service had recorded several instances where drivers and riders intercepted suspected migrants and handed them over for the necessary action.

The Sector Commander noted that irregular migrants who previously became a burden on communities were now being identified and removed promptly, easing pressure on local resources.

He emphasised that the Community Prevention Forum (CPF), introduced as part of the engagement strategy, had also contributed to the gains, with residents sharing real-time information through digital platforms for quick response.

DCOI Boakye said preparations were underway to organise a formal training programme for selected community leaders to strengthen the initiative.

He urged the public, especially those in border communities, to continue supporting the Service by providing timely and credible information.

GNA