The Ghana Immigration Service says amidst inadequate resources it has strived and built a reputation for itself hence attempt by the media to blame the service for shirking its anti-human trafficking responsibilities is unfounded.
An investigation by Journalist Obed Kojo Ansah revealed that young female Nigerians including minors are being trafficked to Koforidua in Ghana for sexual exploitation through the conspiracy of some Ghanaians and Nigerians under the pretext of securing decent and well-paying jobs for them in Ghana however forced into prostitution upon arrival.
The Bula Spot and Little Ben area are two notorious brothels being used for the traffickers to house their victims in Koforidua.
Sadly, these facilities are located within 15 and 10 minutes walking distance respectively from the Regional Headquarters of Ghana Immigration Service in Koforidua but the service is oblivious of the menace.
The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) is one of the security agencies mandated by the Human Trafficking Act, 2005 Act 694 to help combat the transnational crime of trafficking in Ghana.
In a press statement issued Monday, June 27, 2022, by the Public Relations Officer for the Eastern Regional Police Command of Ghana Immigration Service, Rita Talata Ayine explained that “the Service would like to set the records straight that, there had not been any complaints with evidence of foreign nationals engaging in sex trafficking in the Metropolis. It has also not come to the attention of the Command that any illegal activities undertaken by any foreign nationals have not been swiftly responded to. We also want to make it clear to the general public that the Command does not shy away from Media interactions and engagement”
The statement said accusation by the media that the service has shirked its responsibility, “has no substance but only an attempt to mar the reputation that the Service has built over the years amidst limited resources in ensuring that non-Ghanaians abide by the laws of the country”.
“It is also very important to note that the Service has put in tremendous efforts in sensitizing the general public, especially property owners and landlords on the Immigration laws and their responsibilities in helping the Service remove or regularize foreign nationals who are living in the country illegally.
The Command wishes to entreat the general public that the Service is ever ready to collaborate with the media and the general public and be encouraged to voluntarily give information to the Service concerning any suspected illegal migrants for the appropriate actions to be taken”.
Nonetheless, the Ghana Immigration Service says it has initiated an investigation into the report of sex trafficking in Koforidua.
“This, notwithstanding, the Command is treating this as a complaint and following up with investigations to establish the veracity of the publication. Our friends in the Media are also encouraged to always knock on our doors when they are baffled with any Immigration issues to educate the general public and safeguard the security of the country” the statement concluded
Source: Mybrytnewsroom.com/Obed Ansah
