Deputy Interior Minister Ebenezer Terlarbi has called for an urgent review of Ghana’s Immigration Act 573 (2000) to address mounting migration challenges, citing the need to harmonize economic growth with national security.
His appeal came during the inauguration of a community-funded immigration office in Kwahu Aduamoah, a town grappling with rising foreign national populations and related regulatory pressures.
Terlarbi emphasized Ghana’s reputation as a stable destination for migrants seeking economic opportunities but warned that unmanaged inflows risk straining local resources. “While we welcome foreign nationals, balancing economic development and security remains critical,” he stated, directing the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) to modernize protocols under Act 573 to tackle issues like irregular migration and cross-border crime.
The newly unveiled immigration facility, funded and constructed by Aduamoah chiefs and residents, underscores community efforts to bolster border management. Comptroller General of the GIS, DCI Samuel Basintele Amadu, praised the initiative, urging foreign nationals to “respect local laws and cultural norms.” He reiterated the GIS’s commitment to enforcing regulations but acknowledged gaps in existing frameworks that require legislative updates.
Meanwhile, Kwahu Benkumhene Nana Ahea Tutu Brempong shifted focus to stalled infrastructure projects, appealing to the government to resume road construction halted for four years. “Security and development go hand in hand. We built this office to aid national efforts, but our roads remain neglected,” he said, highlighting unresolved grievances despite community contributions to public projects.
The call to revise immigration laws coincides with broader debates on how Ghana manages its open-door policy amid regional instability and economic disparities. Analysts note that while migrant labor fuels key sectors like agriculture and mining, localized tensions over resource allocation and cultural integration persist. The Aduamoah office symbolizes grassroots resolve to address these challenges, yet the delayed road project reflects lingering disparities in state support for border communities.
As authorities weigh legal reforms, the dual demands of security and equitable development loom large, testing Ghana’s approach to migration in an era of increasing globalization and domestic fiscal constraints.