The United Kingdom has reaffirmed its commitment to combating Organized Immigration Crime (OIC) through coordinated international action, following the successful prosecution of a migrant smuggling case linked to Ghana.
In 2022, several incidents involving the illegal facilitation of migration using fraudulent travel documents were detected on flights departing Kotoka International Airport in Accra to the UK. The detections prompted the British High Commission to formally refer the matter to Ghana’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID), leading to the arrest of Julian Kyere Akoto-Bamfo on charges of migrant smuggling.
During proceedings at a Ghana Circuit Court in 2025, Akoto-Bamfo was granted bail but failed to honour court appearances. As a result, his sureties, amounting to ₵45,000, were forfeited.
On January 14, 2026, the court convicted Akoto-Bamfo in absentia and sentenced him to five years’ imprisonment with hard labour, in addition to a ₵12,000 fine. Despite the conviction, he remains wanted by the Ghana Police Service.
Commenting on the case, Dr. Christian Rogg, British High Commissioner to Ghana, said the outcome highlights the effectiveness of UK–Ghana collaboration in tackling organized immigration crime.
“This case demonstrates the strength of UK–Ghana cooperation in tackling organized immigration crime. We will continue to work closely with our partners to disrupt criminal networks and protect the integrity of our borders,” he said.
COP Lydia Donkor, Director-General of the Criminal Investigations Department of the Ghana Police Service, also reaffirmed the Service’s resolve to clamp down on transnational crime.
“Our work with the British High Commission reflects our commitment to ensuring that Ghana does not become a safe haven for organized crime. We will pursue justice relentlessly,” she stated.
The case forms part of a broader global effort to curb visa fraud and illegal migration. In November 2025, the High Commissions of Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom jointly launched a public awareness campaign during International Fraud Awareness Week, aimed at educating the public on the risks of visa scams and promoting safe and legitimate application processes.
By paqmediagh/Peter Quao Adattor
