Immigration Service repatriates 55 undocumented foreigners in Tamale

The Northern Regional Command of the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has intercepted and repatriated 55 undocumented foreigners following an intelligence-led operation in Tamale.

According to an official statement issued and signed by ACI Michael Amoako-Atta, Head of Public Affairs at GIS, the foreign nationals were victims of alleged fraudulent schemes and were without proper immigration documentation.

The Service explained that the operation forms part of ongoing efforts to curb cyber-related fraud and irregular migration in the country.

The statement noted that the swoop was conducted in line with a directive issued by the Comptroller-General of Immigration, Mr Samuel Basintale Amadu, instructing all Regional and Border Commanders to intensify vigilance against immigration offences linked to fraudulent online and marketing activities.

During the first swoop in a Tamale suburb, officers rescued 38 Burkinabé nationals who were reportedly involved in an alleged network marketing scheme known as NEOLIFE.

 Investigations revealed that none of them possessed valid travel or work documents, raising concerns about their presence and activities in Ghana.

A second operation in another suburb uncovered an additional 17 Burkinabé nationals.

According to the Service, these individuals were allegedly linked to another scheme, QNET, which has long been under the radar of security authorities in the sub-region for questionable recruitment and marketing practices.

Like the earlier group, they also lacked valid immigration documents.

The GIS confirmed that all 55 individuals have since been safely processed and repatriated to their home country.

Authorities emphasised that the operation was carried out in line with Ghana’s immigration laws and international protocols governing the humane treatment of migrants.

“The Ghana Immigration Service remains resolute in its commitment to protecting the integrity of Ghana’s borders while ensuring that foreign nationals are treated lawfully and with dignity,” the statement stressed.

The Service further cautioned the public against falling prey to fraudulent network marketing or recruitment agencies that often lure unsuspecting individuals from neighbouring countries into Ghana under the pretext of lucrative job opportunities.

The GIS also pledged to continue working with law enforcement agencies, border communities and international partners to disrupt such activities and prevent Ghana from being used as a safe haven for fraudulent operations.