Four Ghanaian nationals remain detained in Eswatini after receiving five-month jail sentences on July 10, 2025, for visa overstays.
Among those named is Daniel Osei, described as a family man who previously traveled legally to South Africa.
The Mbabane Magistrates Court heard that their initial entry into Eswatini was lawful but a travel agent allegedly failed to secure required permits after collecting their documents.
Prosecutors seek deportation to a neighboring border town post-sentence, though this risks legal complications in adjacent countries. Defense counsel emphasized the men were misled, arguing they were victims of the agent’s negligence.
The Freelance Journalist Network has appealed to Ghana’s Foreign Ministry and its South African embassy for urgent repatriation assistance.
Ghana’s diplomatic channels, under Foreign Minister in President Mahama’s administration, face pressure to intervene. The detainees await further proceedings while advocacy groups highlight risks of prolonged hardship without swift consular action.
Franck Owusu Obimpeh
International report Eswatini 0026876837823
