The origins, implementation and effects of Ghana's 1969 Aliens compliance order

Abstract

This study situates the November 18, 1969 Aliens Compliance Order in a historical perspective and, with the employment of the internal-external approach, examines the context in which the expulsion order was enforced. Relying on both primary and secondary sources, the study reveals that various factors combined to make Ghana one of the preferred migrants’ destinations in West Africa, especially from the beginning of the nineteenth century to the 1960s. In the face of the growing immigrant population, the colonial, Nkrumah and NLC administrations all introduced immigration measures to control the influx of immigrants into Ghana. However, the colonial government and Nkrumah administration did not strictly enforce those regulations. The NLC attempted to remedy the situation, but it could not achieve much. When the Busia government was inaugurated, it immediately issued the expulsion order which caused the deportation of many immigrants in a manner never before attempted. The study demonstrates how the interplay of factors, such as the government’s desire to reduce the rate of unemployment and remittances from Ghana, combat crime, guarantee the security of the country, compel immigrants to comply with the immigration laws of Ghana, control the growth of the country’s population, ensure cultural homogeneity, clear the streets of immigrant destitutes and beggars, continue the policies of the NLC, and xenophobia on the part of some Ghanaians, at least to some extent, influenced the government’s decision to issue the expulsion order. iv The study observes that the decision was strictly enforced. Some of the immigrants who made efforts to secure permits were successful, but many were those who failed and, thus, had to leave Ghana, sometimes hastily. The study again shows that in some cases, the police and some ordinary citizens went to the extreme so that many of the expellees suffered in many ways, including loss of property and even death. The work indicates the economic, social and political repercussions of the expulsion on Ghana and the country’s foreign relations. In the end, the government did not fully realise the objectives for which it issued the Order, but some modest gains were made. The study finally appreciates the good intentions of the government in acting in the interest of Ghana, as was alleged, but frowns on the harsh manner in which the implementation was done. The study contends that if the government had been more cautious in executing the decision, it could have realised its objectives.