Akufo-Addo secures release of Ghanaian, Nigerians from Trinidadian prison

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has brokered a deal with the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Dr Keith Rowley, for a Ghanaian who has been in detention for over five years in Trinidad to be released and reintegrated into the society of the twin state Caribbean nation.

Addressing the Ghanaian National Association in Trinidad and Tobago as part his official state visit to that country at the Hilton Hotel, the Ghanaian President said in his private meeting with the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, it was resolved that the Ghanaian, who is in jail for immigration problems, was to be released in honour of his visit.

"There are one or two Nigerians who are also going to benefit from the gesture," President Akufo-Addo said.

According to Peter Johnson, a member of the Ghanaian National Association in Trinidad and Tobago, the Ghanaian in detention is known to the Association as Musa Ibrahim.

He was arrested by the border agency officials of Trinidad and Tobago when he tried travelling by sea with his child to neighbouring Venezuela.

Upon his arrest, they requested that he call his wife to show up at the immigration office to prove that he had ties in Trinidad and Tobago.

When his wife responded to the demand of the Trinidadian officials, they handed over the couple's daughter to the wife and took custody of the Ghanaian and he had been in detention since then.

Mr Johnson expressed great delight in the efforts of the President to get their friend not only released but also reintegrated into society.

He urged Ghanaian officials to follow up and ensure that the pledge of the Trinidadians is carried out fully.

President Akufo-Addo, in his address, cautioned Ghanaians resident in Trinidad and Tobago to do all within their power to observe fully, the immigration laws of that country.

"You can come into this country visa-free, there is no need, therefore, to get on the wrong side of the immigration authorities. If you come in and you want to stay, go through the process and stay," the President advised.

In his travels around the world, the President said he had observed that one of the things that is always very satisfying is when his host tells him how Ghanaians living abroad are law-abiding and hardworking.

"It always encourages me when I hear that information. Let us try and maintain this reputation," the President admonished the Ghanaians resident in Trinidad and Tobago.