Ghana loses over eight billion cedis on illegal migration and related diseases

Apart from the influx of illegal immigrants entering Ghana through her borders, across border transfer of unknown diseases have become a major challenge for government. 

This has overburdened the country's over stressed health facilities and costing the nations huge sums of money. 

According to statistics, Ghana loses over eight billion cedis annually on the illegal immigrants and diseases associated with it. 

At the launch of ECOWAS free movement and migration project in Accra, information minister Mustapha Hamid said though Ghana does not discriminate, irregular moves across the borders that threatens the safety of country will be not be accepted. 

The free movement and migration project is under the title media training and public sensitisation. 

It falls under ECOWAS, EU, IOM and FMM free movement in West Africa.  

It seeks actions of the media, civil society and local authorities in implementing regional and national policies locally. 

The media are key stakeholders in this agenda due to various reasons. 

Information Minister, Mustapha Hamid said due to regional protocols that Ghana is a signatory to, migration cannot be avoided. 

However, it devastating effects can be curtailed. 

He put the responsibility on the doorstep of the media. 

Interior Ministry, ILO, EU, IMO and some state media institutions pledged support to the smooth take off and successful implantation of the project which begin in Greater Accra, Ashanti, Western and Northern regions. 

It is opened to Journalists who wish to champion and specialized on issues of migration and cross border issues.

gbconline