Interior Minister directs Immigration Service to crack down on illegal immigration

The Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, has directed Regional Commanders of the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) to intensify efforts to clamp down on illegal immigration and the growing menace of street begging in the country.

Speaking at a meeting with Regional Commanders on Thursday in Accra, he said street begging was unlawful and posed a serious national security threat, urging the Immigration Service to take firm action to prevent the situation from escalating.

“Street begging is not allowed in Ghana. It poses serious security concerns and must not be allowed,” Mr Muntaka stressed.

The Minister reminded Immigration Officers of their critical responsibility in safeguarding the country’s territorial integrity, describing them as the “eyes of the nation” responsible for monitoring the entry and exit of persons.

He urged the Commanders to ensure that officers remained vigilant and professional in the discharge of their duties, warning that those who compromised the immigration system would face severe sanctions in accordance with the law.

Mr Muntaka further directed the Regional Commanders to communicate the directive to officers across the country and ensure that no conduct undermined Ghana’s peace, security and territorial integrity.

As part of efforts to strengthen the fight against illegal immigration, he called on Immigration Officers to collaborate with landlords to properly identify and profile tenants residing in their properties.

The Minister assured the public that the Ministry of the Interior remained committed to addressing the street begging menace and strengthening measures to protect national security.