Turkey demands answers from Ghana government

The Immigration authorities in the Republic of Turkey have officially written to the government of Ghana and Emirates Airlines International to protest the alleged airlifting fifty people believed to have traveled on Ghanaian Passports to Istanbul, Turkey without valid entry visas.

The fifty persons are said to be part of a group of Ghanaians who traveled to Turkey ostensibly to attend the World Water Forum which opened there last weekend.

According to reports monitored on Citi FM, it had gathered that the Turkish authorities have formally complained to their Ghanaian counterparts and the Airline expressing deep disappointment about the incident.

Foreign Affairs Minister Mohammed Mumuni on March 23 issued a statement detailing information suggesting that some persons carrying fake Ghanaian passports had already been deported to Lagos, Nigeria.

Immigration Lawyer, Mr Kojo Smith said that International practice stipulates that the government of Ghana cannot be held liable for the actions of the passengers “unless there is an allegation that it was the government of Ghana which sent them to turkey”.

He however hinted that the Airline could face some penalties.

Mr Kojo Smith noted that International law prescribes that illegal immigrants could only be arrested and repatriated to the country of origin and thus did not see any reason why the government of Ghana could be held responsible.

He noted that it was needless for the Turkey consulate to officially write to Ghana Police Service to report a criminal case of human trafficking.

By: citifmonline