Founder and leader of the All People’s Congress (APC), Dr. Hassan Ayariga, has announced sweeping policy measures to regulate the activities of foreign nationals in Ghana. Addressing supporters after a walk in Accra, Dr. Ayariga said the proposals are designed to safeguard Ghana’s national security, economic interests, and cultural identity while maintaining good relations with foreigners living in the country.
According to him, foreigners must enter and reside in Ghana with proper documentation, a responsibility that the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) must enforce strictly at all entry points. He further argued that the number of foreign nationals in the country should be controlled to ensure they do not exceed 10 percent of Ghana’s population, describing it as necessary to protect jobs and opportunities for citizens.
On the issue of security, Dr. Ayariga urged the Police Service and national security agencies to clamp down on undocumented foreigners and criminal activities linked to some foreign nationals. He stressed that foreign criminals should not be allowed to abuse Ghana’s justice system, calling on the judiciary to ensure that such offenders face the law and are not easily granted bail.
He added that Ghana would not tolerate foreign criminals who pose a threat to peace and public safety. “The time has come for us to protect our borders and protect our people. Foreign nationals must live within the law or face deportation,” he warned.
Touching on the economy, Dr. Ayariga proposed stronger regulations on trade and employment involving foreigners. He urged the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA), in partnership with government institutions, to ensure fairness in commercial activities by enforcing strict compliance with Ghanaian laws. He further stated that all foreigners must be registered to pay taxes, electricity, and water bills to contribute their fair share to national development.
The APC leader also emphasized the importance of cultural respect and social integration. He urged Ghanaian landlords to verify documents of foreigners before renting or leasing properties to them. In addition, he called on foreign nationals to respect Ghanaian customs, traditions, and practices, warning against rituals or cultural activities that may be considered offensive.
Dr. Ayariga argued that while foreigners are welcome in Ghana, they must contribute positively to society by showing respect for local communities and cultural values. “We are a hospitable people, but respect for our traditions is non-negotiable,” he stressed.
On governance and electoral integrity, the APC leader called for a review of ECOWAS protocols, noting that current arrangements often disadvantage Ghana. He also urged government to reconsider property ownership laws that allow foreigners to acquire large portions of land, warning that such practices could become a national security risk in the future.
Furthermore, he cautioned political parties against registering foreigners for the Ghana Card for voting purposes. According to him, such acts undermine the credibility of elections and threaten Ghana’s democracy. He said the government must put in place strong safeguards to prevent electoral manipulation by foreign nationals.
Dr. Ayariga’s comments have received rousing applause from Ghanaians across the country, with many describing his proposals as bold, patriotic, and timely. Citizens see the measures as positive steps towards protecting the nation’s security, economy, and cultural values, urging government to give serious consideration to his recommendations.
Read the full statement below!
Dr. Hassan Ayariga’s Speech after the Walk and Policy Proposal!
Policy Proposals on Foreign Nationals in Ghana
1. Immigration & Documentation
1. All foreigners must possess proper documentation when entering and residing in Ghana.
2. The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) should ensure that foreigners have the required documentation at the point of entry before being admitted.
3. All foreigners should be directed to the National Identification Authority (NIA) and GIS for proper registration and identification.
4. The government should maintain a dignified ratio of foreign nationals, ensuring they do not exceed 10% of the national population.
2. Law Enforcement & Security
5. National security agencies and GIS should identify and deport foreigners without proper documentation.
6. The Ghana Police Service must be proactive in addressing social vices and maintaining law and order.
7. The judiciary should support the police by ensuring that foreign criminals face justice and are not easily released on bail.
8. Ghana will not tolerate foreign criminals and will take necessary measures to protect public safety.
3. Trade, Employment & Economy
9. The Ghana Union of Traders (GUTA), in collaboration with government institutions, should regulate the trading activities of foreigners to ensure fair competition and compliance with Ghanaian laws.
10. Government institutions should establish clear policies on the employment of foreigners, ensuring strict compliance with labour and immigration laws.
11. All foreigners should be registered to pay taxes, ECG bills, and Ghana Water bills, contributing fairly to national development.
4. Housing, Culture & Social Integration
12. Ghanaian landlords should verify the documentation of foreigners before renting or leasing properties.
13. Foreign nationals, including Nigerians, must respect Ghanaian laws, customs, and cultural practices.
14. Foreigners should refrain from performing rituals or libations that may be deemed culturally inappropriate or offensive.
15. Foreigners should contribute positively to Ghanaian society, showing respect for traditions and local communities.
5. Governance & Electoral Integrity
16. The government should review and reform ECOWAS protocols to protect the interests and well-being of Ghanaian citizens.
17. The President should consider reviewing policies on foreign property ownership to prevent situations that threaten national security and economic interests.
18. Political parties must refrain from registering foreigners to obtain Ghana Cards for voting purposes, to prevent electoral irregularities.
