The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, James Gyakye Quayson, has called out immigration officers who extort money from travellers at Ghana’s border posts.
He criticized the practice, and questioned the motive of immigration for engaging in it.
James Gyakye Quayson was speaking during a visit by the Pan African Parliament delegation to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on October 28.
According to him, the harassment and exploitation of citizens and travellers at border points must be addressed immediately.
“Going across the border, the harassment. When you go to this immigration post, talk to them seriously,” he said.
The Deputy Minister urged immigration officers who are dissatisfied with their pay to seek better conditions lawfully rather than exploiting travellers.
“If their salaries and wages are not enough let them advocate for higher and stop extorting people at the border,” he stated.
Mr. Quayson added that he plans to personally assess the situation by crossing the border in disguise.
“One of these days I’m going to dress like an ordinary person and cross the border and see,” he said.
He strongly condemned the behaviour.
“Why would you do that to your own people? We are our own worst enemies,” he lamented.
