The Concerned Youth Alliance yesterday issued a passionate call to the nation, warning that Ghana’s sovereignty is under sustained assault from compromised identity systems, weak border enforcement, foreign takeovers of retail spaces, and escalating criminal networks.
At a press conference held in Accra on Friday, the group’s Chairman, Mr. Leonard Brehun, read an open letter addressed to “the people of the Republic of Ghana, to all institutions of governance, civil society, traditional authorities, and every patriotic Ghanaian” — announcing a peaceful demonstration scheduled for tomorrow, 25th April 2026, at Obra Spot, Accra.
“This demonstration is not merely a gathering — it is a national awakening,” Mr. Brehun declared. “It is a call to defend the sovereignty, dignity, and future of our beloved motherland.”
Compromised identity systems
The Alliance raised urgent concerns about the integrity of Ghana’s passport and identification systems, alleging that hundreds of foreign nationals have been arrested attempting to fraudulently acquire Ghanaian passports and identity cards.
“Authorities have uncovered cases involving over 300 foreigners attempting to secure Ghanaian passports using illegal documentation, while additional reports suggest hundreds more have been arrested in similar schemes,” the open letter stated.
Such breaches, the group warned, compromise national security, weaken international confidence in Ghanaian travel documents, and expose the country to global scrutiny and potential sanctions.
“The passport system, which should be a symbol of Ghanaian identity, must not be infiltrated and exploited,” Mr. Brehun emphasised.
Porous borders and weak enforcement
The Alliance further expressed alarm over Ghana’s porous borders and weak immigration enforcement, noting that while migration itself is not inherently negative, systemic weaknesses have created opportunities for irregular migration and unlawful activities.
The letter acknowledged that government reports themselves have pointed to resource constraints, inadequate logistics, and the need to strengthen border infrastructure and enforcement capacity.
“Without decisive action, Ghana risks losing control of its borders and internal security systems,” the statement read.
Foreign takeover of retail spaces
Perhaps most emotively, the Alliance highlighted growing citizen concern that sectors legally reserved for Ghanaians — particularly small-scale retail and informal trade — are increasingly dominated by foreign nationals operating outside regulatory frameworks.
“Imagine a young Ghanaian graduate unable to start a small shop due to economic hardship, only to compete with unregulated operators who bypass licensing requirements,” the letter challenged. “This is not just economic injustice — it is a systemic failure.”
The group noted that foreign nationals have historically been involved in sectors such as retail, mining, and informal trade, sometimes in violation of local laws, prompting government crackdowns and deportations in the past.
Rising crime statistics
Citing official data, the Alliance noted that over 184,000 criminal cases were reported in 2024 alone, with tens of thousands still under investigation. Recent operations, they said, have uncovered organised crime networks involving human trafficking and cybercrime, including cases where foreign nationals were trafficked into Ghana and forced into illegal activities.
“These realities demand urgent, coordinated, and sustained responses,” the statement added.
A question of sovereignty
Drawing together the threads of their concerns, the group declared: “When identification systems are compromised, borders are weak, local businesses are overtaken, and crime networks grow — what is at stake is not just policy failure, but national sovereignty itself.”
They warned that Ghana risks becoming a nation where citizenship loses its meaning, economic opportunities are displaced, security becomes uncertain, and the rule of law is inconsistently applied.
Call to action
The Alliance directed specific demands at government institutions — particularly the Ghana Immigration Service — to strengthen border control, enforce immigration laws, and restore integrity in identity systems. Parliament and policymakers were called upon to review and enforce laws governing foreign participation in retail and informal sectors.
Security agencies were urged to intensify efforts against organised crime, while civil society, the media, traditional and religious leaders were all called upon to amplify these concerns responsibly.
“All Ghanaians,” the letter concluded, “must rise above apathy and participate in shaping the future of our nation.”
Tomorrow’s demonstration
The group invited all stakeholders to join them on 25th April 2026 at Obra Spot, Accra, in a peaceful demonstration to demand accountability, advocate for stronger immigration and border systems, protect Ghanaian businesses, and promote national security and integrity.
“This is not a protest against people — it is a protest against systemic failures,” Mr. Brehun stressed.
“Ghana is more than a geographical space. It is a legacy of sacrifice, resilience and hope. Let us not stand by while its systems are weakened. Let us not remain silent while its future is uncertain. Let us rise — peacefully, lawfully, and courageously — to reclaim the Ghana we deserve.”
By Kingsley Asiedu
