Be wary of prospects abroad - Immigration

Mr Francis Palmdeti, Head of Public Relations of the Ghana Immigration Service has advised students to be wary of promises of a better life abroad.

He said many of those who ventured after those prospects ended up becoming domestic and sex slaves.

“Some risked being sedated and their body organs, mainly the kidney removed.”

Mr Palmdeti was addressing a durbar of students at Keta Senior High School on human trafficking and related risks.

The durbar forms part of a nationwide outreach programme to sensitize the public on the 2012 Immigration amendment Act 848, which focused on migrant smuggling and human trafficking by criminal gangs.

It is in collaboration with the European Union (EU).

Mr. Palmdeti warned students that they are the targets of such foreign job prospects because as young people, they were eager for better prospects abroad.

“We consider you students as the best ambassadors in spreading the message among your peers and the larger community.”

Mr Palmdeti advised students and young people, who intend to travel abroad, to seek expert advice before doing so.

He said the numerous entry points into the country were making it difficult for the GIS to stem illegal entry into the country.

Mr. Amoateng Ennin, Assistant Superintendent of Immigration, said people who infringed Act 848, would be liable to pay up to GHc15,000 maximum or serve 10 years imprisonment or both when found guilty.

Mr. Eric Appiah, 45, a Ghanaian, who survived a perilous journey to Europe through Libya, advised students to focus on pursuing their academic goals.

Ms Monica Abba Tawiah, 32, another victim, who was rescued in June this year by GIS from Kuwait, where she had to work for 20 hours daily in domestic servitude, also shared her ordeals with the students.