Ghana’s Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel George, has issued a stern warning to Ghanaians against assisting foreign nationals to illegally obtain Ghana Cards or Ghanaian passports, stressing that offenders will face the full force of the law.
According to the minister, helping non-citizens acquire Ghanaian identity documents constitutes a serious criminal offence, and security agencies have been instructed to pursue such cases rigorously to deter others.
Warning Follows Major Security Operation
Mr George’s remarks come in the wake of coordinated, intelligence-driven operations by multiple security agencies targeting organised cybercrime networks in parts of Greater Accra. The latest operation, carried out in the early hours of Saturday, December 27, led to the arrest of 141 suspects in Lashibi and Tabora.
The crackdown focused on syndicates allegedly involved in mobile money (MoMo) fraud and other cyber-enabled financial crimes. Agencies involved in the operation included the Cyber Security Authority (CSA), the Ghana Police Service, National Security, and the Ghana Immigration Service.
Minister’s Message to the Public
Speaking during an interview on Channel One Newsroom on December 27, Mr George cautioned citizens against facilitating illegal nationality claims for foreigners, noting that investigations into such practices are already underway.
“I want to send a clear message to Ghanaians who assist other nationals to acquire Ghanaian nationality through passports or Ghana Cards: it is a criminal offence,” he said. “We are building strong cases, and I urge everyone involved to stop and do the right thing.”
He added that once law enforcement steps in, appeals or personal connections will not shield offenders from prosecution.
Landlords, Accomplices Also at Risk
The minister revealed that some Ghanaians implicated in recent raids include property owners who provided accommodation for criminal activities. He cited instances in Prampram and Dawhenya, emphasising that location, status, or political affiliation would not influence enforcement.
“Regardless of who you are or where you come from, if you breach the law, it will deal with you decisively to serve as a deterrent,” he stated.
Ongoing Investigations
Security agencies have confirmed that investigations into the 141 suspects are ongoing, with further arrests possible. Authorities say the government remains committed to strengthening national identity systems and intensifying efforts against cybercrime and identity fraud across the country.
The ministry has urged the public to cooperate with security agencies and report suspicious activities related to identity fraud or cybercrime.
Source: Africa Publicity
