Eighty-Five Ghanaian migrants who have been imprisoned in Saudi Arabia’s Jeddah Prison are appealing to President Akuffo Addo to bring them back home. This was after Ghana government officials in Jeddah failed to facilitate their return.
Among them include a pregnant woman whose due date for delivery is two months away.
In an interview with crimecheckghana, the leader of the group, 31-year-old Rose Tetteh said officials from Ghana in Jeddah refused to cooperate with the Saudi government to deport them unless the migrants show commitment to pay the Covid-19 test fee of One Hundred and Fifty dollars.
“The officials told us that some migrants refused to pay for the Covid-19 test instituted by government when they got to the Kotoka International Airport. They said government took the charge from the Ethiopia Airline that airlifted them so the airline has refused to fly us because they fear we will also not pay. We are appealing to President Akuffo Addo to come to our aid,” she appealed.
Miss Tetteh said the officials indicated that President Akuffo Addo has to endorse their deportation before any further action can be taken. According to her, this could lead to the death of many of them if any delay occurs because of the harsh conditions they are going through in the Jeddah prison.
“We sleep on bare metal student beds and the food we eat is very terrible. Four persons are sick and one of them nearly died after doctors refused to attend to her. We had to protest before she was given treatment. We are suffering and if swift action is not taken, most of us are going to lose our lives,” she said.
36-year-old Fatima Mumuni and 26-year-old Salamatu share their experiences:
“Living in Saudi Arabia for the past four years has been very difficult. We came to the country to seek greener pastures because we are from struggling homes. We have been subjected to maltreatment because we do not have proper documents to stay and work in the country,” they cried.
CCF’s appeal
Crime Check Foundation, CCF is appealing to the government to fast track the deportation processes and also drop the Covid-19 charge.
CCF’s Reintegration of Migrants and Returnees program
CCF, through its livelihood and medical care support, has reintegrated many migrants and returnees who usually return home to the same poverty they sought to escape.
