Government’s choice to deport foreign nationals involved in illegal mining and other crimes instead of putting them on trial in Ghana has sparked mixed reactions. Some Ghanaians are asking why local offenders are taken to court, while foreigners are simply sent back to their countries.

According to Citi News investigations, deported foreigners are handed over to law enforcement in their home countries, where they face prosecution. Officials at the Ministry of the Interior say Ghana’s embassies, including the one in China, keep track of these legal cases and give regular updates to the Ministry.

In a recent case, 30 Chinese nationals arrested for illegal mining, known locally as “galamsey,” were deported. At the Kotoka International Airport, they were handed over to Chinese immigration officers. The operation was led by Superintendent Li Ran, who heads airport operations. Sources say the process was carried out politely and professionally.

The Chinese government has reportedly backed Ghana’s decision, calling the involvement of Chinese citizens in galamsey shameful and harmful to the good relationship between the two countries.

“Foreigners arrested for illegal mining often exploit loopholes in the judicial process,” the source explained. “They establish connections within security agencies and deliberately choose courts that offer favorable bail terms. Once granted bail, they relocate to different districts and resume their illegal activities, while court cases drag on for years without resolution.”

Since Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak assumed office as Minister for the Interior, more than 100 foreign nationals—including Chinese citizens—have been deported for offenses related to illegal mining and other crimes.

Officials from the Interior Ministry stressed that the deportation strategy is not designed to favor foreigners, but rather to prevent abuse of Ghana’s legal system and safeguard national interests. “The aim is to ensure swift justice and reduce the risk of recidivism among offenders who manipulate court delays and lax bail conditions,” one official noted.

Ghanaians who are caught working with foreign nationals involved in illegal mining are being prosecuted in the country, and the Ministry of the Interior says no one will be spared.

At a recent meeting with police officers in the Ashanti Region, the Interior Minister warned law enforcement and prosecutors not to change the identities of foreign suspects to help them avoid deportation. He made it clear that anyone caught doing so would face punishment.

The Ministry is also working with the embassies of the deported individuals to make the repatriation process smoother. The embassies pay for the return flights of their citizens, while the Ghanaian government covers the cost of Immigration officers who escort them.

Officials say this method helps strengthen Ghana’s cooperation with other countries in tackling international crime. It also improves national security and speeds up justice. Photos from the Immigration Service show Chinese nationals being escorted and handed over to Chinese authorities for prosecution over illegal mining and fraud.