Interior Minister Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak has ordered an immediate investigation into a viral video showing Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) officers dragging a sick U.S. deportee on the floor at a hotel in Ogbojo, Accra.
The November 11 incident at VICSEM Hotel sparked public outrage and criticism from human rights lawyer Oliver Barker-Vormawor after officers were seen pulling the woman despite reports that she was unwell.
Speaking on Joy FM on November 17, Alhaji Muntaka condemned the incident and confirmed swift action. “It’s just so unfortunate, and I’ve instructed the Comptroller General of Immigration to investigate that and get me a report on it, which I’m sure I should get this week.”
He indicated the deportee may have suffered a medical episode. “This lady was supposed to be on medication… I don’t know if she became violent and that resulted in that. But I will not want to pre-empt the report.”
The minister rejected claims of state involvement in mistreatment. “There’s no any connivance or government involvement in trying to molest anybody that was brought in from the United States of America.”
He also stressed Ghana’s obligation to treat foreign nationals with dignity. “Our brothers and sisters from the West African countries will be treated with the utmost respect. We will do everything humanely possible to treat them well just as we treat our own citizens.”
Alhaji Muntaka outlined standard deportee protocols, coordinated with the Foreign Ministry and embassies to support voluntary travel or residency.
“We will continue to give them the best of services… If you want to stay, then let the embassy pick you up. If you want to go back to your country, we’ll facilitate your movement.”
The GIS report on the Ogbojo incident is expected within the week.
