A Nigerian national, Mohammed Ogbona, alias Mohammed Alhassan, has been sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment with hard labor by the Tema District Court for attempting to unlawfully acquire a Ghanaian passport. Ogbona, 32, was convicted on charges of unlawful entry, fraudulent acquisition of a Ghanaian birth certificate, and National Identification Card.
According to the prosecution, Ogbona claimed to be a Ghanaian named Mohammed Alhassan, born at Tema General Hospital to Ghanaian parents. However, investigations revealed that he was born in Enugu State, Nigeria, and had entered Ghana through an unauthorized route near the Aflao border without travel documents or immigration clearance. He allegedly wanted to use the Ghanaian passport to travel to the United Kingdom.
Court Ruling
The court fined Ogbona :
– GH₵2,400 for attempting to obtain a Ghanaian passport through false declarations
– GH₵4,800 for acquiring a Ghanaian birth certificate through false declaration
– GH₵600 for an additional offense
In default of payment, Ogbona would serve six months’, three months’, and one month’s imprisonment, respectively. All sentences will run concurrently.
This case highlights the growing trend of identity fraud and unlawful entry in Ghana, with the court emphasizing the need for deterrent measures to curb such activities.