President of SEWA Foundation one of the leading NGO in Ghana, focusing on awareness creation to prevent illegal migration, Mr Jones Owusu Yeboah has noted that the issue of illegal migration is a sensitive matter to discuss.
Mr. Owusu Yeboah explained that illegal immigrants are entering the UK in many different ways, including small boats.
Speaking on Frontline on Rainbow Radio 87.5Fm, he stated that it has become difficult in advising people not to travel by using life-threatening means.
He told host Kwabena Agyapong that these travellers who risk their lives to embark on these journeys see their adventure as freedom, hence it makes it difficult for them to change their minds.
He said some of the irregular migrants see their journey as some kind of freedom, and so no amount of advice will change their mindset. The issue of illegal migration is sensitive. You cannot advise people not to travel especially when some have seen how successful other travellers have become,” he asserted.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Thursday announced that some of the migrants and asylum seekers illegally entering Britain would be sent to Rwanda.
According to the agreement, all people crossing the border illegally into the UK – around 28,000 per year – will be sent to Rwanda, where their asylum applications will be processed from A to Z by Rwandan authorities.
In return, the UK will pay Rwanda a substantial sum of £120 million (about €144 million) per year.
Mr. Yeboah Owusu indicated that SEWA Foundation has over the years provided support to persons affected by irregular migration, trafficking and child rights activities.
He was of the view that there was a need to address the challenge to prevent people from embarking on dangerous journeys.
He added that the Foundation has also done several projects in helping the government address the issue of exportation of labour to the Gulf Cities.
He went on to state that efforts are underway to create awareness of the dangers associated with the way people migrate to Europe.
He said there is push and pull factors why people migrate elsewhere for better opportunities.
The lack of economic opportunity tends to push people to look for their futures outside the area of their origin.
He disclosed that there are people who are currently travelling by foot to the United States from Columbia by using two weeks despite the dangers.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
