61 Ghanaians denied entry

The Liberia Immigration Service or LIS posted at the Pledebo border in Maryland County, southeast Liberia has denied 61 Ghanaian illegal immigrants entry here. The Ghanaians were in route to Liberia on December 31, 2017 upon invitation by a Liberian gold miner in River Gee County Emmanuel Johnson to come to work on his mine.

Upon arrival here, the Liberia Immigration Service commander at the border Major Victor Anderson received intelligence from his Ivorian counterparts about their mission to this country. Major Anderson immediately informed the LIS county commander about the men’s arrival at the border.

The Ghanaian immigrants were denied entry due to failure to provide proper traveling documents. When contacted, Emmanuel Johnson admits to sending for the 61 men to do mining for him, but when asked to produce mining license, which gives him the right to operate in the country, he was unable to provide such document, something that led the LIS to deny the immigrants.

LIS County Commander Col. Victor Boatue clarifies that his men are in no way denying ECOWAS citizens access to Liberia, but the huge number drew security attention.

Col. Boatue says officers under his command remain vigilant in protecting the country’s border against illegal entry.He maintains that as part of protecting the border, LIS officers conduct regular patrol to ensure the area is safe.

He calls on immigration officers across the country not to allow any illegal entry especially, when the country is preparing for smooth political transition after many decades.

Col. Boatue took over Maryland County as commander a year ago and has been working tirelessly to ensure Liberia’s border with neighboring Ivory Coast is protected. Meanwhile, there are reports that many Ghanaians are in Grand Kru County engaging in illicit mining after crossing here illegally.

By George K.Momo/Maryland-Editing by Jonathan Browne