Nigerians deported from Saudi Arabia produce Ghana passports

Interior Minister Mohammed-Mubarak Muntaka has warned Ghanaians against helping foreigners obtain national identification documents and illegally enter the country through unapproved routes, citing concerns over identity fraud and national security.

Speaking during a two-day duty tour of the Volta Region on June 1, 2026, the Minister revealed that three Nigerians deported from Saudi Arabia allegedly presented Ghanaian passports upon arrival in Abuja.

Hon. Muntaka made the remarks during a courtesy call on the Volta Regional Minister, James Gunu, in Ho, and at separate meetings with religious leaders, traditional authorities and chiefs at the Asogli Palace in Ho-Bankoe.

He said the motives of foreigners entering Ghana through illegal crossing points were often unknown, a situation he described as worrying at a time when terrorism remains a threat in the sub-region.

The Minister noted that the increasing number of undocumented foreigners in the country was also affecting Ghana’s international image. He further alleged that human traffickers were bringing people into Ghana and profiting from forcing them into prostitution and other criminal activities.

According to him, 1,100 of the country’s 14,000 prison inmates are foreigners, with Nigerians accounting for about 75 per cent of that number.

Hon. Muntaka also raised concerns about narcotics abuse, stating that the Volta Region was notorious for large-scale marijuana cultivation, which he said was undermining the region’s image.

He stressed that the Volta Region’s extensive border with Togo makes it a strategic area, adding that the government places high importance on security and safety in the region.

At a meeting at the Ho Residency, Chairman of the Volta Region Christian Council, Rev. Seth Mawutor, said Christians and Muslims in the region lived together peacefully and urged members of the Muslim community to continue maintaining harmony with their neighbours in Zongo communities.

The Sariki Zongo, Ishau Turawa, appealed to local assemblies not to interfere in the selection of leaders in Zongo communities, saying such interference had previously caused unrest.

At the Asogli Palace, the War Lord of Asogli, Togbe Adzie Lakle Howusu XII, assured the Minister of the chiefs’ support in combating crime, including providing security agencies with information on criminal activities and hideouts.

Meanwhile, Volta Regional Minister James Gunu said plans by the Volta Regional Coordinating Council to position the region as a hub for tourism and accelerated development could only be achieved in an atmosphere of peace and unity. He pledged continued collaboration with the Ministry of the Interior to deal decisively with criminal activities.