Tensions flared at the Ghana–Burkina Faso border town of Hamile in the Upper West Region following a protest by local youth.

The youth, accusing officials of the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) of misconduct, set fire to car tires and vandalised the local immigration office.

The unrest, which began late Saturday night, September 13, 2025, and continued into the early hours of Sunday, September 14, 2025, also saw a GIS vehicle set on fire.

According to a report by JoyNews reporter, Rafiq Salam, on September 15, 2025, some unknown persons captured a woman and bolted with her into neighbouring Burkina Faso with the help of an immigration officer.

Tension at Hamile Border as youth clash with immigration officers

“What happened was that there were two cars, involve in the capture of the woman at the centre of the incident. These two vehicles, according to the protestors came into the country after 6 pm. The immigration official allowed them into the country and aided them to maneuver the main police barrier, into Hamile and then moved back onto the road again, heading to Nandom.

“So, the woman, halfway through her journey was allegedly crossed by the two vehicles. Others on the motorbikes joined the two vehicles.

“The woman refused to go with them and then even the man who was taking her said no way, he will not allow that to happen. However, these people from Burkina Faso, removed their guns and held them at gunpoint, then they bundled the woman into the car and took her back to Burkina Faso,” he narrated.

The protesting youth allege that an immigration officer aided the unknown gunman from Burkina Faso to enter the country to kidnap the said woman.

They subsequently pursued the immigration officer who later sought refuge at their office for fear of attack from the irate youth.

Irate youth vandalise NPP office in Sagnerigu

Security has been beefed up in the area as tensions remain high amid police investigation.

MRA/VPO

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