Migrants Repatriation: Let’s Use a More Sustainable Approach- CHRAJ
The Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) has called for a more sustainable approach in tackling the influx of undocumented migrants who have resorted to begging on the streets of Accra and other cities across the country.
The Commission recognises that the development creates an unfavourable image for the country and at the same time puts the migrants in extremely vulnerable and dehumanising conditions.
Reacting to the Ghana Immigration Service’s operation to rid the streets of such persons through repatriation, the Commission underscored the need for it to be undertaken in an effective and dignified manner.
According to the body, the canker must be tackled through interstate cooperation between Ghana and the relevant States.
“Whilst the issue at hand remains extremely concerning for public order, health and safety, the government’s decision to send back undocumented migrants where necessary should be done in a humane and dignified manner.
“Additionally, such assessment should be done on a case-by-case basis. This, in the considered view of the Commission, would avoid situations whereby migrants are sent back to the countries of origin where they may apprehend persecution or harm, thereby violating the principle of non-refoulement under international law.”
Further, it called for a gender responsive approach which also prioritises the best interests of children, as a significant proportion of undocumented migrants are women and children.
The GIS on May 17 commenced an exercise to rid the streets of Accra of undocumented migrants who have resorted to begging.
In all, 2,241 persons were arrested, of which 2,073 are Nigeriens, 106 Nigerians, 28 Burkinabe, one Guinean, and one Malian.
Repatriation was initiated on the morning of Saturday, 18th May, 2025.
As of May 20, 925 persons had successfully been repatriated, it noted, adding that processes are underway to repatriate the rest.
Source: opemsuo.com/Hajara Fuseini
