Immigration officials intercept 33 children being trafficked to Nigeria

Immigration officials at the Tatale border have intercepted thirty three children aged between ten and seventeen being trafficked to Nigeria in the last two weeks. 

One of the traffickers, a Nigerian is in the grips of Togolese authorities whilst her Ghanaian accomplices remain at large. 

The Northern Regional Commander of the Ghana Immigration Service, ADI Eric Afari revealed this in an interview with Radio Ghana in Tamale, adding that the children have been reunited with their families. 

He expressed worry that child trafficking is on the increase in communities along the Eastern Corridor. He said the traffickers use the Eastern Corridor route because of the porous nature of the border. 

Mr. Afari disclosed that, the porous nature of the border along the Eastern Corridor especially between Oti-Damanko and Nakpanduri, continues to pose a threat to the security of the Northern Region and Ghana at large. 

He said there are only three approved border posts along this stretch of the Ghana-Togo border a distance of over two hundred kilometres. 

The area according to him has become a gateway for criminal activities including arms proliferation, smuggling of contraband goods and illegal activities of Fulani herdsmen. 

He gave the assurance that the Immigration Service will continue to collaborate with all stakeholders to enforce immigration laws along Ghana’s entry points. 

He called for investment to improve infrastructure at all entry points. Mr. Afari commended Government, Parliament, the Interior Ministry, Ministry of Justice and Attorney Generals’ Department for the passage of the new Immigration law. 

He described the law as a landmark achievement that will spur officers to higher heights.

GBC