National security is intensifying surveillance at the country’s border with neighbouring Burkina Faso following the arrest of some alleged refugees dressed as nursing mothers.

This was after a thorough search on them revealed hidden weapons and ammunition.

It is unclear their real intentions in Ghana, but Deputy Defence Minister, Kwaku Amankwa-Manu says the development has compelled the security agencies to tighten the search on asylum seekers from that country.

According to him, there is a need to screen asylum seekers however, if they genuinely deserve assistance, the Ministry based on the 1951 refugee convention, “will do what is expected of us but when you don’t, then we also advise ourselves.”

“In instances where I have seen pictures of women carrying babies some less than a year, and as part of their luggage, you’ll be surprised some are carrying ammunition, and then you have guns and other things, hidden in certain parts of cattle and all that by the man, husband,” he claimed.

Speaking on the Probe on JoyNews on Sunday, Mr Manu said government will not sacrifice the safety of Ghanaians for the rights of the asylum seekers in its quest to safeguard the borders of the country.

“So, we really need to be on the lookout. We have the Ghanaian people to protect, we have properties to protect. We cannot say that because we want to be compassionate, we will not look at the security of our nation,” he added.

The ranking member on the Defence and interior committee of Parliament, James Agalga, says the government has every right to screen the refugees, but must also be mindful of international treaties that protect the rights of asylum seekers.