Rawlings attributes rampant 'stealing, robbery and killings' in Ghana to West African nationals

Speaking at a ceremony to mark the 31st December 1981 revolution, he said officials figures show there are 4.5 millions West Africans in Ghana but said the figure could be three times more.

"This has undoubtedly increased the stress on our space and resources," he said.

"Added to this, is the rampant stealing, robbery and brazen killings we are experiencing as a country," he added.

He further noted that West African nationals are handled with kid gloves when they break the law.

"Majority of Ghanaians do not have the luxury of engaging in the trading activities of some of our visitors or in their lawlessness, something that our police sometimes handle with kid gloves."