Ghana adopts new policy: Foreign criminals to be deported, not prosecuted-Interior Minister

The Government of Ghana has adopted a firm policy to deport foreign nationals involved in criminal activities rather than pursue lengthy prosecutions. This strategic shift, aimed at conserving resources and protecting citizens, was announced by the Minister for the Interior, Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka.

During an official visit to the Ashanti Regional Police Command in Kumasi on Friday, April 4, 2025, the minister highlighted the government's concern over the environmental and cyber threats posed by foreign offenders. He cited illegal mining, unauthorized logging, and cyber fraud as the most common crimes committed by foreign nationals operating in Ghana.

“Our investigations have uncovered organized networks of foreigners engaging in environmentally destructive activities like galamsey and illegal logging, as well as sophisticated cyber fraud schemes targeting victims globally,” Mr. Muntaka revealed.

He emphasized that, under the new policy, foreign nationals arrested for illegal mining or cybercrime would be swiftly deported rather than tried in Ghanaian courts.

Mr. Muntaka further urged the police to collaborate closely with prosecutors and the Ghana Immigration Service to ensure smooth implementation. He noted that the police prosecutors had already communicated with the Attorney-General’s office to support the execution of this directive.

Once deported, such individuals will also be added to a national stop list, barring their re-entry into Ghana.

“They’ll be permanently blacklisted from returning,” the Minister affirmed.

This move, according to the Interior Minister, forms part of a broader government strategy to protect Ghana’s natural resources and public safety from external criminal threats.