Veep asks Italy to tone down immigration law
Accra, July 28, GNA – Vice President John Dramani Mahama on
Tuesday appealed to the Italian authorities to review its
draconian immigration law on illegal immigrants.
He said the law, which imposed 10,000 Euros fine on an
illegal immigrant or in default three years imprisonment was
very rigid.
The Vice President made the appeal when an Italian
delegation led by Dr Rodolfo Ronconi, Central Director of
Immigration of Border Police at the Italian Ministry of
Interior called on him at the Osu Castle.
The delegation was in the country to seek Ghana’s
co-operation and support to help Italy to fight illegal
immigration.
Mr Mahama said Ghana was working hard to overcome its
economic challenges that would make it possible for her
citizens to stay in the country and enjoy the fruits of
their labour.
He said following the discovery of oil in Ghana, government
was stepping up agricultural production and establishing new
industries as part of the measures to check illegal
immigration.
“Naturally, men have the instinct of going on adventure or
seeking greener pastures… no matter the conditions.”
Mr Mahama said as much as Italy would like to take
neurosurgeons and nurses into their fold, it could be
possible for that country to adopt a measure that would
engage menial workers from developing countries to work
there for one or two years so that when they comeback home
they could establish themselves.
He said Ghana was appreciative of the economic co-operation
that existed between the two countries, and expressed
satisfaction that Italy had supported small enterprises
schemes in Ghana.
The Vice President promised that Ghana would support Italy
in combating illegal immigration.
Dr Ronconi said Italy was prepared to train Ghanaian
immigration and police officers in the modern technology of
combating crime and the smuggling of small arms across the
borders.
He said Italy would sign a memorandum of understanding with
Ghana on illegal immigrants.
Dr Ronconi said Ghana like Italy was a transit point to
other countries and that was the more reason why the two
countries needed to co-operate in that direction.
He said there were about 1,500 illegal immigrants in Italy
whose repatriation were creating problems.
Responding to Mr Mahama’s enquiry to some Ghanaians who were
killed in Italy recently, Dr Ronconi said the case was under
investigation.
He explained that the case seemed to have been an action
perpetrated by some criminals.
GNA
