Twenty-eight foreign nationals and a landlord have been arrested during a joint security operation at Pakyi Numbers One and Two in the Amansie West District of the Ashanti Region.
The operation was conducted by the Ghana Immigration Service, the Ghana Police Service, and the Amansie West District Assembly to flush out foreigners residing in the area without valid documentation.
The security personnel acted on intelligence about the presence of undocumented foreigners in the communities
Authorities said the exercise formed part of intensified efforts to clamp down on illegal immigration and ensure strict enforcement of the country’s immigration laws within the district
The suspects were taken into custody for screening and further investigations to determine their immigration status and possible involvement in other unlawful activities
Mr Prince Manu Morris, the Amansie West District Chief Executive, speaking to journalists after the exercise, cautioned landlords in the district to be vigilant and responsible when renting out their properties
He emphasised that accommodating foreigners without verifying their legal status in the country was a violation of Ghana’s laws
“It is against Ghana’s laws to rent accommodation to persons whose stay in the country is not properly documented
“Landlords must make it their responsibility to verify the immigration status of potential tenants before offering them accommodation,” he stated
The DCE appealed to residents to promptly inform the District Assembly and security agencies whenever they noticed foreigners occupying rooms or living within their communities without proper documentation
Mr Morris also warned individuals who facilitated or assisted undocumented foreigners to enter or remain in the country to desist from such activities, stressing that authorities would not hesitate to pursue and bring offenders to justice
He said the District Assembly would continue to work closely with security agencies to maintain law and order and safeguard the safety of residents
Mr Morris reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to supporting operations aimed at tackling illegal immigration and other related security concerns
He added that the Assembly remained determined to collaborate with relevant state institutions to ensure proper regulation of foreign nationals residing in communities across the district
The suspects are currently undergoing further processing by officers of the Ghana Immigration Service, after which appropriate legal action will be taken in accordance with the laws of Ghana.
Source: GNA
