Minority Demands Detailed Information On Situation Of Ghanaians In Libya

A ranking member of Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee says he is not satisfied with answers given by the Foreign Affairs Minister on the situation of some Ghanaians in Libya.

Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa said Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey failed to provide detailed information regarding the whereabouts of some Ghanaians in the North African country.

A five-member team tasked by the Foreign Affairs Ministry has disclosed how some Ghanaians have set up camps along routes across the Libyan desert to exploit and traffic Ghanaians.

The fact-finding team said during the course of the journey, those who were unable to afford transport cost from one point to the other were handed over to ‘Ghetto leaders’.

The Ghetto Leaders mostly Ghanaians set up camps along the routes which they operate in collaboration with their partners in Ghana .

But commenting on the developments in the failed state, the former Deputy Education minister pointed out that the Minority having studied the reports have three major reservations.

“If you read the CNN report - I have watched the videos and read the transcripts - it states nine detention centers. But the fact-finding team spoke of four centers plus two others, it could not visit.

Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey
“That leaves three detention centers outstanding. As it stands now, we do not know if some Ghanaians are at risk at those other centers,” he said.

He said the work of the team should therefore not be seen as conclusive.

Secondly, he said the minister revealed how some Ghanaians are part of the ringleaders that lure other Ghanaians to Libya, but failed to tell Parliament how those victims are faring and efforts to rescue them.

“Again, another outstanding issue we need to pay attention to and send a team to find and rescue those who have been sold into slavery in Ben Wahlid,” Mr Ablakwa said.

Finally, he said the Minority has reservations about the Minister’s advice for the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) and Immigration Service to get ready to welcome over 200 returnees from Libya.

He said considering how some people have been exposed to all manner of syndicates, “we are saying it is not good enough to carry it out the current repatriation as a normal exercise.”

“We are asking the government to include national security and let there be thorough screening at the ports when these Ghanaians arrive.”

Despite these reservations, he commended the five-member team for their bravery and serving the country by making the journey to Libya, on behalf of the Minority.