Chinese Nationals Deported from Ghana Over Galamsey to Face Prosecution Back Home
Ghana hands over illegal mining suspects to Chinese authorities as both nations strengthen cross-border justice.
- 30 Chinese nationals deported from Ghana for engaging in illegal mining
- China has begun prosecuting the deportees
- Over 100 foreign nationals deported since Interior Minister Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak took office
The Ghanaian government’s decision to deport foreign nationals involved in illegal mining, rather than prosecuting them locally, has sparked mixed reactions.
While some Ghanaians question why foreign offenders are repatriated, with local citizens facing prosecution for similar crimes, the government maintains that this strategy prevents abuse of the legal system and protects national interests.
Sources from the Ministry of the Interior confirmed that once deported, foreign nationals are handed over to law enforcement in their home countries for prosecution. Ghana’s diplomatic missions, including the Embassy in China, monitor the legal proceedings and regularly update the Ministry.
In a recent operation, 30 Chinese nationals involved in illegal mining, known as galamsey, were deported and handed over to Chinese authorities at Kotoka International Airport. The transfer was described as “polite and professional” by officials, with the Chinese government supporting Ghana’s stance, calling the involvement of their citizens in illegal mining “disgraceful” and harmful to bilateral relations.
The Ministry clarified that deporting offenders ensures swift justice, reduces recidivism, and curtails the manipulation of court systems by foreign criminals. Since Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak became the Minister for the Interior, over 100 foreign nationals, including Chinese citizens, have been deported for crimes related to illegal mining.
Additionally, Ghanaian nationals collaborating with illegal miners are still prosecuted locally, with no exceptions made for foreigners. The Interior Minister recently emphasized the importance of law enforcement maintaining strict protocols, warning against any attempts to shield foreign suspects from deportation by altering their identities.
This diplomatic cooperation between Ghana and foreign embassies strengthens the fight against transnational crime, ensuring that justice is efficiently administered while upholding national security.
