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Chinese govt prosecuting nationals deported from Ghana over galamsey

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The Government’s decision to deport foreign nationals involved in illegal mining and other crimes, rather than prosecute them locally, is drawing mixed reactions from sections of the public. Some Ghanaians have questioned why citizens involved in similar offenses are prosecuted in Ghana, while foreign offenders are repatriated.

Citi News checks have confirmed that foreign nationals, once deported, are handed over to law enforcement authorities in their home countries for prosecution. Sources at the Ministry of the Interior revealed that Ghana’s foreign missions, including the Embassy in China, monitor the legal proceedings closely and provide regular updates to the Ministry.

In a recent operation, 30 Chinese nationals arrested for engaging in illegal mining—popularly known as galamsey—were repatriated and handed over to Chinese immigration officials at the Kotoka International Airport. The handover, led by Superintendent Li Ran, Head of Airport Operations, was conducted in what sources described as a “polite and professional manner.”

According to the source, the Chinese government has expressed support for Ghana’s actions, describing the involvement of its nationals in illegal mining as “disgraceful” and damaging to the strong diplomatic 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.

Ghanaian nationals found to have colluded with foreign illegal miners are being prosecuted locally, with the Ministry insisting that there are no exceptions.

Speaking during a meeting with police officers in the Ashanti Region, the Interior Minister issued a stern warning to law enforcement personnel and prosecutors. He cautioned against the practice of altering the identities of foreign suspects in order to shield them from deportation, stressing that those found culpable would face disciplinary action.

The Ministry is also working closely with the embassies of the deportees to streamline repatriation processes. While the embassies cover the cost of flights for their nationals, the Government of Ghana covers travel expenses for Immigration Service officers who accompany them.

According to the Ministry, this approach not only strengthens international cooperation in the fight against transnational crime but also enhances national security and the efficiency of justice delivery. Photographs provided by immigration authorities show Chinese nationals being escorted and received by Chinese officials upon their return for prosecution on charges related to illegal mining and fraud.

Source: Citi Newsroom

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Crime and Investigation

OSP Charges Paul Adom-Otchere Over GACL Contract; Fails to Meet Bail Conditions

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The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has formally charged Paul Adom-Otchere, former Board Chairman of the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL), alongside two other individuals, in connection with a contentious revenue assurance contract.

 

Despite being granted bail, Mr. Adom-Otchere remains in custody after failing to meet the bail requirement of providing two landed properties registered in his name. He reportedly informed investigators that he does not own any such properties in Ghana, making compliance with the condition unattainable.

 

Also charged are Otchere Kwame Baffour Awuah, Group Executive for Commercial Services at GACL, and Albert Adjetey Adjei-Laryea, Chief Executive Officer of Devnest Systems.

 

The charges stem from an ongoing investigation into a revenue assurance contract awarded to a private firm allegedly linked to the owner of Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Ltd (SML). The OSP is examining suspected procurement violations, including the alleged sole-sourcing of a company that did not receive board approval from GACL.

 

Mr. Adom-Otchere was summoned for questioning on Thursday, July 31, following a formal notice issued on July 25, 2025.

 

In an interview with Citi Newsroom prior to his appearance before the OSP, Adom-Otchere described the investigation as politically driven. “I describe this as a witch-hunt,” he stated, asserting that he played no part in executing the contract. “The contract in question was signed by the Managing Director of Ghana Airports Company, and I was not even aware it had been executed.”

 

He further questioned why the investigation is focused on him instead of the GACL management officials who handled the contract process.

 

The OSP is expected to release additional information on the case and outline the next steps in the legal process in the coming days.

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Crime and Investigation

OSP’s Bail Conditions for Adom-Otchere ‘Unjust and Excessive’ – Lawyer

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Nicholas Lenin Anane Agyei, legal representative for Paul Adom-Otchere, has condemned the bail terms set by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), describing them as harsh and discriminatory.

 

This follows the OSP’s directive that Mr. Adom-Otchere, former Board Chairman of the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL), must present two landed properties registered in his name before securing bail. Despite being officially granted bail, he remains in custody due to his inability to meet this condition.

 

Speaking on Channel One Newsroom on Thursday, July 31, Mr. Agyei expressed concern that the OSP’s demands appear intended to deliberately prolong Mr. Adom-Otchere’s detention.

 

He argued that the requirement was not only excessive but also unfair to individuals without significant assets.

 

“Asking for two landed properties in the name of the accused is an unreasonable demand, especially when it’s known he doesn’t own any. It’s as though the system is designed to deny bail to those without wealth,” he said.

 

Mr. Agyei further revealed that during preliminary procedures, Mr. Adom-Otchere had clearly indicated that he does not possess any landed properties. Despite this disclosure, the OSP still made such a condition central to his bail.

 

“It’s concerning that the OSP would insist on such conditions even after learning about his lack of property ownership. This, in our view, amounts to a veiled attempt to keep him behind bars,” he added.

 

He assured the public that the legal team is actively pursuing all lawful channels to challenge the conditions and secure the release of his client.

 

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Crime and Investigation

OSP Invites Former GACL Board Chair Paul Adom-Otchere Over Suspected Corruption in Audit Deal

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The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has summoned Paul Adom-Otchere, the former Board Chairman of Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL), for questioning as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged corruption and financial irregularities.

 

The probe focuses on a revenue assurance audit contract between GACL and a private firm, with suspicions surrounding the financial management and accounting of airport revenues under the agreement.

 

In an official letter dated July 25, 2025, the OSP identified Mr. Adom-Otchere as a suspect in the matter, citing potential corruption and corruption-related offenses. He has been asked to appear at the OSP’s South Ridge office on Thursday, July 31, 2025.

 

Confirming receipt of the summons in an interview with Myjoyonline.com, Mr. Adom-Otchere, who recently completed his term as board chair, disclosed that his legal team has requested a new date—Monday, August 4—due to court engagements in Kumasi.

 

While pledging his full cooperation, he expressed surprise at being singled out, arguing that the decision-making around the contract was primarily handled by GACL management and its managing director, both of whom remain in office and available to assist with the inquiry.

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