By Frank Kwame Abbor, GNA
Ho (V/R), May 05, GNA – The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has intercepted a group of suspected irregular migrants in the Volta Region, raising renewed concerns over illegal entry through unapproved routes.
Mr Peter Yao Nkrumah, the Volta Regional Commander of the Service, disclosed that officers at Leklebi Dafor alerted the regional office in Ho after intercepting about 18 foreign nationals, including three children, believed to be Nigeriens.
Speaking to Ghana News Agency on May 4, 2026, Mr Nkrumah stated that preliminary investigations revealed that the migrants allegedly entered Ghana through unapproved routes around Aflao in the Ketu South Municipality.
“According to them, they first settled at Dzodze, then moved to Ave Dakpa, and were later intercepted, while travelling further inland,” Mr Nkrumah explained.
He indicated that interrogations pointed to the involvement of facilitators posing as local herbal medicine sellers.
“These so-called medicine men are now bringing in more people, possibly to expand their activities or engage in other ventures,” he stated.
Mr Nkrumah expressed concern that many of the migrants lacked the means to sustain themselves.
“We believe some may resort to begging or other means of survival if allowed to stay,” he noted.
He said the Service had decided to repatriate the migrants to their point of entry.
“We want them to show us exactly where they entered so we can reinforce security in those areas and prevent future occurrences,” he added.
The Regional Commander appealed to border communities to support enforcement efforts by reporting suspicious movements.
“These individuals stayed in communities like Dzodze for days. Residents may have seen them, so we urge the public to report such cases promptly,” he said.
He disclosed that the Service had deployed significant personnel to the enclave.
“We have about 417 officers stationed within the Aflao enclave, and with timely information, we can effectively secure vulnerable entry points,” he stressed.
Mr Nkrumah also highlighted challenges faced by officers, including resistance from some residents.
“Some community members claim these migrants are their relatives and attempt to obstruct our work. This makes enforcement difficult,” he lamented.
He, therefore, urged residents to cooperate with authorities.
“If we do not stand firm and work together, these challenges will persist. We need communities to partner with us to safeguard our borders,” he concluded.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/Benjamin Mensah