The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has disclosed that as at June 18, 2013, 218 Chinese and 51 Nigerians have been repatriated as part of government’s efforts to staunch illegal small scale mining in the country.

These figures come in the wake of a statement made by Chinese Ambassador Gong Jianzhong on Tuesday at a meeting with journalists in Accra that GIS is best placed to know the number of Chinese repatriated.

A statement signed by Acoi Francis Palmdeti, the Head of Public Affairs of GIS, said the repatriations were conducted with collaboration and support of the respective embassies.

“In the case of the Nigerians, their Embassy provided a bus which conveyed them to Niamey while the Chinese were assisted in some cases with the procurement of tickets by their Embassy,” the statement noted.

GIS assured that it holds good working relations with foreign missions in Ghana and “would advise foreigners residing in the country to register or relate with their respective embassies for information or clarification on issues concerning investment and immigrations in Ghana”.

“Prospective investors are advised to conduct due diligence about investment opportunities in Ghana so as to acquaint themselves with sectors of the economy which are open to foreign participation.”

GIS assured Ghanaians that it will continue to execute its mandate “as an agency of the state”.