BA tops in illegal migration to Europe

The Brong Ahafo region has been identified as a leading region where most of the youth embark on illegal migration through the Sahara Desert to Europe, according to statistics from the International Organisation for Migration.

In 2011 the statistics were National 1,065; Brong Ahafo, 489, representing 46%; 2012: National, 1,196; Brong Ahafo, 503, representing 42%; and 2013: National, 3,080; Brong Ahafo, 941, representing 31%."

The statistics was revealed during the handing over of an office complex at the cost of GH 187,999.92 and a vehicle to the Ghana Immigration Service. The Migration Information Center is to facilitate and empower migrants to travel in a legal, voluntary and safe way.

The project was funded by the European Union and jointly implemented by International Organisation for Migration and the Ghana Immigration Service under the Ghana Integrated Migration Management Approach (GIMMA) project.

The Ambassador of the European Union Mr. William Hanna speaking at the ceremony said, “The EU is deeply concerned about the loss of lives and unacceptable human sufferings during migration process.”

Mr. Hanna said the European Union is to initiate project to support and promote local economic development.

“In the coming weeks a 6 million Euro initiative will be launched to support projects to be jointly managed by Local Authorities and Civil Society Organisation to promote local development and therefore create jobs.”

Mr. Samule Justice Adjei, Deputy Brong Ahafo Regional Minister commended the European Union for putting up the office complex which he said would go a long way to help educate and reduce illegal migration which the region is noted for.

Other personalities at the ceremony were Mr. Felix Yaw Sarpong, Acting Director of Immigration, Ms Sylvia Lopez-Ekra, Chief of Mission IOM and Brong Ahafo Regional Commander of Immigration COI Faisal Disu and Ms Kazumi Nakamura, Project Manager, GIMMA Project.