Close cooperation between the United Kingdom and Ghanaian law enforcement agencies has led to the successful prosecution of a man convicted of migrant smuggling linked to illegal travel and fraudulent documentation, underscoring growing international efforts to clamp down on organised immigration crime.
The case, referred by the British High Commission in Accra to Ghana’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID), stemmed from multiple incidents detected in 2022 involving the illegal facilitation of migration on flights departing Kotoka International Airport to the UK. Investigations revealed the use of fraudulent travel documents as part of a wider organised immigration crime network.
Following the referral, Ghana Police arrested Julian Kyere Akoto-Bamfo and charged him with migrant smuggling. Although he was granted bail during proceedings before the Ghana Supreme Court in 2025, Akoto-Bamfo absconded, failing to appear in court. His sureties, valued at ₵45,000, were subsequently forfeited.
On 14 January 2026, the court convicted Akoto-Bamfo in absentia, sentencing him to five years’ imprisonment with hard labour and imposing a fine of ₵12,000. He remains wanted by the Ghana Police Service.
The British High Commissioner to Ghana, Christian Rogg, said the outcome reflects the depth of cooperation between the two countries. “This case demonstrates the strength of UK-Ghana cooperation in tackling organised immigration crime,” he noted. “We will continue to work closely with our partners to disrupt criminal networks and protect the integrity of our borders.”
Ghana Police authorities also emphasised the broader national interest in the case. COP Lydia Donkor, Director-General of the Criminal Investigations Department, stated: “Our work with the British High Commission reflects our commitment to ensuring that Ghana does not become a safe haven for organised crime. We will pursue justice relentlessly.”
Organised Immigration Crime (OIC) has increasingly become a focus for UK authorities, as criminal networks exploit vulnerable migrants through false promises of travel, employment, and residency abroad. According to official data, UK disruptions of organised immigration crime rose by 33 per cent in the year ending September 2025, increasing from 2,374 to 3,162 cases.
Ghana has featured prominently in these enforcement efforts. In 2024 alone, 1,632 Ghanaian applicants attempted to submit fraudulent UK visa applications, resulting in 10-year bans for those involved. Authorities say such fraud not only undermines border security but also damages the prospects of genuine travellers.
Diplomatic missions have stepped up public education. In November 2025, the British High Commission joined forces with the Australian and Canadian High Commissions in Ghana during International Fraud Awareness Week to launch a joint campaign warning against visa scams and promoting safe and legitimate application processes.
The outcome demonstrates the critical role of intelligence cooperation, joint law enforcement action, and public awareness in countering organised migration crime and protecting border integrity.
