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1,089 foreign nationals arrested, repatriated over illegal entry into Ghana
About 1,089 foreign nationals who entered Ghana through unapproved routes have so far been intercepted and repatriated by the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) in the Bono Region.
The foreign migrants made up of 240 Burkinabes, 506 Togolese, 224 Ivoirians, 50 Guineans, 30 Nigeriens, 30 Nigerians and nine Malians who are mainly farm hands were arrested between March 31 and the second week of May.
Among the figure was the Bono Region’s first COVID-19 case recorded in March 20, 2020.
The Bono Regional Commander of GIS, Assistant Commissioner of Immigration (ACI) Charles Yaw Bediako disclosed this to the Ghanaian Times here in Sunyani yesterday.
The Regional Commander said the foreigners were able to enter the country through the support of their Ghanaian counterparts resident at the border who aided them with the use of motor bikes and tricycles.
Mr Bediako said as a result about 23 motor bikes and tricycles have so far been confiscated.
The Regional Immigration boss noted that although the driver unions have been warned against picking foreigners at their various stations, the directives have gone unheeded making it difficult for the practice to be stopped.
He called on the people especially those resident at the border to abide by the call by the President to be citizens of the country by stopping the ungodly practice in order to prevent a further surge in cases of COVID-19 in the country.
Meanwhile, Immigration Officers on duty at the Berekum check point on Friday arrested a 48- year-old ford driver Kwaku Antwi for attempting to bribe officers with GH¢1,700.00.
He was arrested for carrying 17 foreign nationals who were travelling from Cote D’Ivoire to Sankase in the Northern Region.
The commander at the Berekum checkpoint, Assistant Superintendent of Immigration Isaac Osei Asamoah who briefed the Ghanaian Times on the arrest said the driver would be processed for court to serve as a deterrent to other drivers who may be contemplating on engaging in similar acts.
FROM DANIEL DZIRASAH, BEREKUM
FOR patrons at a special thanksgiving concert held in honour of parishioners, benefactors and friends at the St. Monica Catholic Rectory at Fan Milk, Accra, Rev. Fr Bonaventure Kweku Quaidoo will continue to be seen as a man of many parts.
Usually seen dressed resplendently in his cassock, Rev. Fr. Bonaventure is known by the faithful as a preacher of the word despite his background in music.
But on this auspicious occasion, the Rector, Rev. Fr Bonaventure Kweku Quaidoo, assumed the role of a conductor of the Central Ceremonial Band of the Ghana Police Service.
In front of the band wielding the conductor’s baton, Rev. Fr Bonaventure conducted the band as they gave a rendition of some of the spiritual hymns of the faithful, thrilling the audience in the event under the theme “An Evening of the Performing Arts in Thanksgiving to Beloved Parishioners, Benefactors and Friends.”
It was attended by the clergy, parishioners and invited guests for an evening that blended sacred reflection with artistic performance.
The Chaplain-General of the Ghana Police Service, DCOP Very Rev. Fr George Arthur, opened the programme with prayer, while the closing benediction was given by Very Rev. Fr. Isaac Ebo Blay, National Director of the Pontifical Mission Society.
A highlight of the evening was a classical performance by Dr Kyoung Ok Kim of the University of Ghana’s School of Performing Arts, who reinterpreted Ghanaian melodies to the delight of the audience.
Ordained in 1990, Rev. Fr Quaidoo is a trained musician and former member of the National Symphony Orchestra. Over the past 35 years, he has served in the dioceses of Tamale, Damongo and Accra, integrating music into his pastoral ministry.
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THE 41st Farmers’ Day was held last Friday in the Volta Region, honouring outstanding farmers that contributed immensely in the sustenance of the country’s food basket.
This year’s celebration was themed “Feed Ghana, Eat Ghana, Secure the Future”, reflecting the government’s emphasis on strengthening food systems, promoting local consumption, and building long-term resilience in the agricultural sector.
It was attended by the President, John Dramani Mahama, Minister of Agriculture, Mr Ernest Opoku, Regional Ministers and Paramount Chief of Asogli State, Togbe Afede XIV.
The week-long observance began on December 1, at the Ho Sports Stadium with the official opening of the 2025 National Agricultural Fair.
An 82 year-old farmer, Mr Opanin Abraham Kwaku Adusei from Kwawu Odumase in the Afram Plains District of the Eastern Region, was adjudged the 2025 National Best Farmer.
President Mahama commended the farmers for their dedication and pivotal role in advancing the country’s agricultural sector.
The Minister of Agriculture, Mr Eric Opoku, also attributed the current food glut to innovation and resilience of farmers.
Established in 1985, Farmers’ Day has grown into one of Ghana’s most significant national events—celebrating the enduring contributions of farmers and fishers to the nation’s development and economic stability.
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