NPP GERMANY
PRESS RELEASE
25–04–2025
Deporting Galamsey And Fraud Offenders A Weak And Useless Policy—NPP GERMANY
By all measures of logic, justice, and national interest, the Interior Minister’s latest directive—to simply deport foreign nationals involved in illegal mining (galamsey) and fraud instead of prosecuting them—is one of the most disappointing and lame policies to ever come out of a Ghanaian government.
Let’s not sugarcoat this: It is an insult to Ghanaians, a dangerous precedent, and a dereliction of duty by those sworn to uphold our laws.
Galamsey is not a petty crime. It is an act of economic sabotage. It poisons our rivers, razes our forests, and robs future generations of fertile land and clean water.
Fraud is equally destructive, tarnishing Ghana’s image on the global stage and undermining trust in our financial systems.
These are not crimes to be swept under the rug or handled with kid gloves—especially not for the sake of political convenience or diplomatic quiet.
So, why is the Interior Minister suggesting that foreigners caught red-handed destroying our lands and stealing from our people should be put on a plane and sent home like unruly tourists?
Where is the justice in that? If a Ghanaian were to commit similar crimes in another country, would they be spared prosecution?
Certainly not. In most jurisdictions, they would face the full weight of the law—and rightly so.
Deportation without prosecution is not justice. It is a reward.
These individuals come here, commit environmental and financial crimes, and are allowed to walk away free with no criminal record, no real punishment, and—most alarmingly—no deterrent.
They can return under a different identity or reroute their operations to other vulnerable areas, emboldened by the knowledge that Ghana is a soft spot for lawbreakers.
The directive reeks of weakness. It signals to the world that Ghana’s sovereignty can be trampled without consequence, and that our legal system bows before foreign interests. Is this the kind of message we want to send?
If the government is serious about curbing illegal mining and fraud, then it must treat all offenders—Ghanaian or foreign—with equal severity.
That means arrests, trials, convictions, and meaningful penalties. Anything less is not only unfair but dangerously ineffective.
This new directive is not a policy. It is a surrender. And Ghanaians deserve far better.
As matter of fact NPP GERMANY believes that deportation alone cannot solve the problem but instead a more smarter approach to deal with it once and for all.
While deportation may offer a quick fix, it is not a sustainable solution. We must consider alternative or complementary measures that address the root of the problem, ensure accountability, and deter future offenders.
Deportation without prosecution sends the wrong signal. It implies that foreigners can exploit Ghana’s resources and systems with minimal consequences.
Prosecution—especially when it leads to stiff penalties—sends a clear message that illegal acts will not be tolerated, regardless of nationality.
It upholds the rule of law and demonstrates the government’s seriousness in protecting national assets and public trust.
Foreigners involved in galamsey and fraud often make significant financial gains from their illegal activities.
Simply deporting them allows them to keep the profits. Instead, the government should implement policies that seize the assets and profits of these criminals.
Funds recovered can then be directed toward environmental rehabilitation and community development in affected areas.
Deported individuals often find ways to re-enter the country using new identities or routes. Ghana must work with foreign embassies, Interpol, and regional immigration bodies to blacklist offenders and block their return.
International collaboration will also help track and apprehend transnational criminal networks operating within our borders.
To effectively curb illegal activities by foreigners, Ghana’s immigration and law enforcement systems must be better resourced and trained.
Increased surveillance, border control, and intelligence sharing can prevent many of these criminals from entering the country in the first place.
Foreigners involved in galamsey and fraud rarely act alone. They often work with local facilitators, including chiefs, politicians, and business people. A comprehensive policy must address these local enablers, ensuring they are held equally accountable.
Focusing only on foreigners allows these networks to thrive domestically, which undermines the fight against illegal activities.
Illegal mining persists partly due to poverty and lack of opportunities in mining areas. Rather than relying solely on punitive measures, the government should invest in alternative livelihoods, skills training, and education.
Empowered communities are less likely to collaborate with illegal operators and more likely to report them.
The decision to deport without prosecution may simplify the judicial process, but it weakens Ghana’s justice system and fails to address the full spectrum of issues surrounding illegal mining and fraud.
A more holistic approach—one that includes prosecution, asset recovery, international cooperation, and community empowerment—is necessary for lasting change.
Ghana deserves better than a band-aid solution. Let’s uphold the rule of law and protect our future with policies that reflect both strength and strategy.
Ghanaians deserve better than empty rhetoric. They deserve leadership that delivers results, and that leadership can only come from the NPP.
We Say KUDOS to Nana Addo-Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Dr. Bawumia government!!!
God Bless Our Homeland Ghana!!!
Long Live Ghana, long live the Elephant Party!!!!
Kukruduuuu Eeeessshiii!!!
Signed:
Nana Osei Boateng
NPP GERMANY
Communications Director
