A group of 34 Ivorians and two Malians who attempted to enter Togo through Ghana, using illegal entry points at Aflao have been arrested by a combined team of immigration personnel and a detachment of the military.

Also arrested were four drivers at Aflao who were assisting them. The Aflao Border Director of the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS), Miss Elizabeth Baffoe who briefed reporters said the operation was undertaken to minimise illegal crossings. She said the operation was also to protect those arrested and also create awareness among travellers that it is illegal to use unapproved routes into and out of the country. Miss Baffoe said many of the travellers, mainly traders fell victims to robbers on the unapproved routes. She said her outfit would caution those arrested since they were first offenders.

Miss Baffoe however explained that a fine of one million cedis or not less than three months or not more than 12 months imprisonment would be strictly applied in future. Mr Alla Tahi Desire, an Ivorian who was one of those arrested told reporters that he arrived at Aflao for the first time where he met the drivers who offered to assist him through the route, only to be arrested. They were not carrying contraband goods.