CHRAJ responds to immigration crackdown on undocumented migrants
The operation, carried out on May 16, 2025, by GIS targeted individuals without legal status residing in Accra and other major cities across the country.
The Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) has issued a statement addressing the recent nationwide crackdown by the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) on undocumented migrants.
The operation, carried out on May 16, 2025, targeted individuals without legal status residing in Accra and other major cities across the country.
In its statement, CHRAJ acknowledged the government’s authority to manage migration and enforce immigration laws, as affirmed by both international agreements and Ghana’s Constitution.
The Commission commended GIS for taking steps to manage the growing issue of undocumented migration, which it described as contributing to negative perceptions of the country and placing migrants in vulnerable and dehumanising conditions.
“Government’s decision to send back undocumented migrants where necessary should be done in a humane and dignified manner,” the statement said in part.
However, CHRAJ emphasized that the enforcement of immigration laws must align with Ghana’s human rights commitments. These include obligations under Chapter 5 of the 1992 Constitution, the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families, and the ECOWAS Free Movement Protocol.
The Commission stressed that any removal or deportation processes should be carried out in a humane and dignified manner. It warned that blanket deportations could violate the international principle of non-refoulement, which prohibits returning individuals to countries where they face a risk of persecution or harm.
CHRAJ further called for a gender-sensitive and child-centered approach to immigration enforcement, noting that many undocumented migrants are women and children. It urged the GIS and other stakeholders to prioritize the best interests of the child in all operations.
“The Commission wishes to remind GIS and relevant stakeholders that given the significant proportion of undocumented migrants are women and children such operations should be gender responsive and prioritise the best interest of the child.” CHRAJ Commissioner, Dr Joseph Whittal said in the statement.
As a long-term solution, CHRAJ recommended that the government pursue more sustainable strategies, including enhanced interstate cooperation with countries of origin, to address the root causes of irregular migration.
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