The Minister of Interior, Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak, has revealed that 107 foreign nationals involved in illegal mining (galamsey) and other fraudulent activities have been repatriated.
He warned that all foreigners arrested in future operations would also be deported without compromise.
Speaking at the Police Regional Commanders’ Conference on Friday, March 21, the Minister stressed the government’s commitment to cracking down on illegal mining and other fraudulent activities involving foreigners.
“I have written to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) that from now on, any equipment found at galamsey sites or in forests must have its tax details traced to the owners,” he said. “If you are renting out your bulldozers or other equipment to galamsey operators while staying at home, we will track the tax records and come for you.”
On the issue of foreigners engaged in illegal activities, the Minister reiterated the government’s strict stance.
“The foreigners we find in our forests what do we do with them? Since I became Interior Minister, we have repatriated well over 107 foreign nationals caught in fraud and galamsey operations,” he stated.
“I want to make it clear to all Regional Police Commanders that any foreigner found in our forests should be immediately reported to immigration authorities for deportation. Our first option is always to send them back to their countries, and we will not compromise on this.”
The Minister also issued a warning to the Police officers who fail to act on these directives.
“I have written to the IGP, and I insist that if any commander fails to forward arrested foreigners for repatriation, it will mean they do not want to be part of this regime,” he cautioned.
“In that case, they will be reassigned elsewhere perhaps to a place where they would not have to deal with galamsey or illegal people conducting activities in our country.”
