"Chinese govt prosecuting nationals deported from Ghana over galamsey" 8 April 2025

The Government’s decision to deport foreign nationals involved in illegal mining and other crimes, rather than prosecute them locally, is drawing mixed reactions from sections of the public. Some Ghanaians have questioned why citizens involved in similar offenses are prosecuted in Ghana, while foreign offenders are repatriated.

Citi News checks have confirmed that foreign nationals, once deported, are handed over to law enforcement authorities in their home countries for prosecution.

Sources at the Ministry of the Interior revealed that Ghana’s foreign missions, including the Embassy in China, monitor the legal proceedings closely and provide regular updates to the Ministry.

In a recent operation, 30 Chinese nationals arrested for engaging in illegal mining—popularly known as galamsey—were repatriated and handed over to Chinese immigration officials at the Kotoka International Airport.

Since Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak assumed office as Minister for the Interior, more than 100 foreign nationals—including Chinese citizens—have been deported [...]

Officials from the Interior Ministry stressed that the deportation strategy is not designed to favor foreigners [...]

Photographs provided by immigration authorities show Chinese nationals being escorted and received by Chinese officials upon their return for prosecution on charges related to illegal mining and fraud.