Minister of Interior, Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak, has disclosed that 107 foreign nationals involved in illegal mining (galamsey) and other fraudulent activities have been repatriated.
He warned that all foreigners arrested in future crackdowns would also be deported without exception.
Speaking at the Police Regional Commanders’ Conference on Friday, March 21, the Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to tackling illegal mining and fraudulent activities involving foreign nationals.
“I have written to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) that moving forward, any equipment found at galamsey sites or in forests must have its tax details traced to the owners,” he said. “If you are renting out your bulldozers or other machinery to galamsey operators while staying at home, we will track the tax records and hold you accountable.”
Addressing the issue of foreigners engaged in illegal activities, the Minister reiterated the government’s firm stance.
“The foreigners we find in our forests—what do we do with them? Since assuming office, we have repatriated over 107 foreign nationals caught in fraud and galamsey operations,” he stated.
He directed all Regional Police Commanders to immediately report any foreigners found in restricted areas to immigration authorities for deportation.
“Our first response is always to send them back to their countries, and we will not compromise on this,” he stressed.
The Minister also warned police officers against negligence in enforcing these directives.
“I have written to the IGP, making it clear that any commander who fails to process arrested foreigners for repatriation is signaling that they do not want to be part of this administration,” he cautioned.
“In such cases, they will be reassigned—perhaps to locations where they won’t have to deal with galamsey or illegal activities in our country.”