At least two people are in critical condition following a clash between residents of Shia, in the Ho Municipality, and officers of the Ghana Immigration Service stationed in the community.

According to youth leader Ekro Yao, the unrest in the border community began on November 14 when an immigration officer had a disagreement with some okada (commercial motorcycle) riders in the area.

The situation escalated into chaos on Friday, November 15, resulting in two residents sustaining severe injuries.

The injured individuals were rushed to a local health center, where they are receiving medical treatment.

An eyewitness, Kuzor Jonas, told Myjoyonline.com that armed Immigration officers stormed the community at around 4:00 PM on Friday.

In response, aggrieved residents blocked roads leading to the Immigration Service office and set lorry tyres on fire.

Shia is a border community in the Ho municipality.

The Ghana Athletics Open Championships for Security Services took place at the University of Ghana Stadium on Saturday, 2 November, and Sunday, 3 November 2024.

Security services such as the Ghana Armed Forces, Ghana Immigration Service, Ghana Prison Service, GRA – Customs Division, and the Ghana National Fire Service participated in the two-day event.

The men competed in 15 events, while the women took part in 12 events.

The Ghana Armed Forces, who are preparing for the Africa Armed Forces Athletics Championships in Abuja from 18 November, dominated the competition, scoring 327 points in the men’s events, while the women scored 198 points.

Read also: SESSA Games relaunched after a decade, set for November 2

They were followed by the Ghana Immigration Service, who polled 76 points, 19 points more than the Prison Service. GRA – Customs Division and the Ghana National Fire Service scored 32 and 24 points, respectively.

In the women’s events, the Armed Forces amassed 198 points, with the Immigration Service 63 points behind. They had 26 points more than the Ghana Prison Service, while the Ghana National Fire Service had 31 points, three points more than the GRA – Customs Division.

Shaibu Marizuk, Iddrisu Musah, and Arko Bawuah, all from the Ghana Armed Forces, dominated the men’s 100m final, crossing the finish line in 10.79s, 10.80s, and 10.89s to clinch the top three places.

In the 200m final, Shaibu Marizuk finished first, while Iddrisu Musah and Arko Bawuah were beaten by William Opare and Kofi Osei, who claimed second and third places, respectively.

In the women’s events, Mary Boakye, who represented Ghana at the African Games 2023 and the African Athletics Seniors Championships in Douala, led the Ghana Armed Forces to first-place finishes in the 100m and 200m finals, while Lariba Sakat, also from the Armed Forces, dominated the long-distance events.

Mary Boakye won the women’s 200m final in 24.78s, ahead of Kate Agyemang and Eunice Sackey, who crossed the line in 25.40s and 26.22s, respectively.

Mariama Fatawu won the women’s 400m final with a time of 56.46s, while Solomon Diafo (46.84s) claimed victory in the men’s 400m final.

Reina Tuolong (Ghana National Fire Service) and Saraphina Adomibila (Ghana Armed Forces) finished first and second in the women’s 800m final, crossing the finish line in 2:18 and 2:19, respectively.

Sadiq Aloo (Ghana Prison Service) and Damal Matthew (Ghana Immigration Service) secured the top two places in the men’s 800m final with times of 1:52 and 1:55, respectively.

Full results of events below.

The Ghana Police Service, Ghana Prisons Service, and Ghana Immigration Service have announced recruitment opportunities for individuals who expressed interest and applied to join these services in 2021.

Starting from today (Wednesday, August 7, 2024), the Ghana Police Service will offer positions to interested and qualified Ghanaians.

Available categories include General Duty Recruits and Graduate General Duties. Applicants from the 2021 recruitment exercise are required to submit their details, including full name, date of birth, place of birth, reference number, current phone number, email address, previous screening center, and qualifications, to the email address recruitment@police.gov.gh by Tuesday, 13th August 2024.

Applicants must meet several general requirements: they must be Ghanaian by birth, of good character, without a criminal record, and must not have been dismissed from any public service or other employment. Additionally, applicants must be between 18 and 28 years old, physically and medically fit, and possess a minimum of five passes in SSCE/WASSCE, including Mathematics and English, as of 1st December 2021. Height requirements are at least 5 feet 8 inches for males and 5 feet 4 inches for females.

The Ghana Immigration Service is also extending employment opportunities to individuals who applied in 2021. Interested candidates should submit similar details as required by the Police Service to recruitment@immigration.gov.gh by the same deadline. Applicants must meet identical general requirements, including age, character, and academic qualifications, as outlined by the Immigration Service.

The Ghana Prisons Service has announced openings for General Duty Recruits, Tradesmen Recruits, Sportsmen/women recruits, General Duty Graduates, and Graduate Professionals. Applicants from 2021 should email their details to recruitment@ghanaprisons.gov.gh. The general requirements include being a Ghanaian by birth, of good character, without a criminal record, not dismissed from public service, and meeting specific height requirements (5 feet 6 inches for males and 5 feet 2 inches for females). Age limits vary slightly, with a minimum age of 18 and a maximum age of 33 years, except for sportsmen/women, who must be between 18 and 25 years old.

For all three services, successful applicants will be contacted for the next phase, which includes body selection, document inspection, medical examinations, and thorough background checks. Applicants will bear the costs associated with the vetting and medical examination process and are responsible for their transportation, feeding, and accommodation during the recruitment exercise.

The Ghana Police Service, Ghana Prisons Service, and Ghana Immigration Service emphasize that they are equal opportunity employers and warn against dealing with middlemen or agents, noting that any involvement in such activities is at the applicant’s own risk and may lead to arrest and prosecution.

The deadline for submission of applications is Tuesday, August 13, 2024. Applicants are urged to ensure that all submitted information is accurate and that certifications are valid. No physical submission of application forms will be accepted.

The recruitment notices were published separately in the August 7, 2024 edition of the  Daily Graphic.

The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has received a boost with a donation of state-of-the-art information technology and cyber security equipment from the government of Denmark.

The equipment included Cyber security software, IT infrastructure for LAN/WAN setup, Laptops, Desktops, CCTV cameras, CCTV monitors, Digital Cameras, industrial copiers, and IP phones among others.

The various equipment were donated by the Denmark government to enhance the institutional and operational capacity of the GIS to combat irregular migration, with a specific focus on document fraud detection, strategic planning, and intra-agency coordination.

Since 2018, the government of Denmark has been supporting the government of Ghana by funding several projects in migration and related areas through the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) as an implementer of the projects.

One such project is the Strengthening Border and Migration Management in Ghana (SMMIG II).

The head of the office for ICMPD, Amala Obiokoye-Nwalo, noted that the first phase of the project, SMMIG I, saw the revamping of the Document Fraud office in Kumasi last year.

“I would like to mention that less than a year ago, ICMPD through the SMMIG project, supported the GIS in revamping the Document Fraud office in Kumasi, commissioned on 24 August 2023, to support GIS operations at the new Kumasi International Airport, in the Ashanti Region as a whole and the neighbouring regions.

“The renovation exercise involved a total overhaul of the facility, procurement of office furniture and specialised forensic document verification equipment. This exercise further strengthens GIS capacity in combating document fraud. Document security is the bedrock of identity management and an important factor in migration governance and security,” she added.

The Comptroller General of GIS, Kwame Asuah Takyi, while receiving the equipment said that migration governance has become a key accelerator of sustainable development.

Mr Takyi also called on all stakeholders to come on board to help the government’s efforts in reducing irregular migration.

“Collaboration and building lasting relationships are important for us to effect the change that we envisage in this space for which reason I will call on all stakeholders to come on board to help in strengthening the government’s efforts in reducing irregular migration, so that, both countries of destination and origin will enjoy the benefits of a well-managed migration,” he noted.

On behalf of Denmark, the Deputy Ambassador to Ghana, Vibeke Sandholm Pedersen, urged the management of GIS to ensure the donated equipment is properly deployed, utilised and maintained for the benefit of the country.

Representing the government, the Deputy Interior Minister, Naana Eyiah Quansah, was grateful to the Denmark government and ICMPD.

“On behalf of the government of Ghana we convey our gratitude to the Danish Government for their support to the Ghana Immigration Service over the years, and also appreciate the International Centre for Migration Policy Development for facilitating the implementation of the various activities under the Project,” she said.

The Comptroller General of the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has committed to recruiting the five civilian members of the Ghana Armwrestling Team who collectively won 41 of Ghana’s 69 medals at the African Games.

Kwame Asuah Takyi has also assured that he will promote two immigration officers who were members of the Armwrestling team and the deputy coach of the Black Princesses team, which won gold in the women’s football competition in Africa.

The five civilian members of the arm wrestling team, comprising of officers from the Ghana Police Service and the Ghana Immigration Service, are Yasmine Moro, who won a silver and a bronze medals; Blessed Nunoo, who won two gold medals; Rashida Abbass, who claimed a silver medal; Mary Quaye, who won a silver and a bronze medals; and Godwin Sackey, who won a gold and bronze medals.

The arm wrestling team was led by GIS officers head coach ICO Nii Otoo Larkyne and captain Edward Yamoah, with DSI Anita Wiredu Mintah serving as the deputy coach of the Black Princesses.

The Comptroller General of the GIS, Kwame Asuah Takyi, made this announcement when the leadership of the Ghana Armwrestling Federation (GIF) and some athletes paid a courtesy call on him at the GIS Headquarters in Accra on Friday (April 5, 2023). The visit was to officially present the medals to the Comptroller General of the GIS.

“I want to assure you that we (management of the GIS) are going to pick the four; I want to assure you that when there is recruitment, we are going to pick them,” the Comptroller General said.

He expressed pride in the achievements of his officers and civilians during the African Games, noting that this was the best way to show appreciation.

The President of the GAF, Charles Osei Asibey expressed gratitude to the GIS for producing officers with leadership qualities such as Larkyne and Yamoah, who have been leaders in the Ghana national team since 2016.

He highlighted high hopes for all athletes and coaches, particularly tipping Yamoah for medal success at the upcoming world championships later this year.

Additionally, he presented the Comptroller General of the GIS with a medal and named him a patron of the sport on behalf of the Federation.

The Deputy Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, on Monday, January 22, made a donation of office items to the Ghana Immigration Service, Effutu Sector Command.

The Effutu Member of Parliament (MP) stated that this donation is part of his commitment to empower state agencies and other entities within the constituency.

Emphasising the importance of a secure and peaceful working environment, the lawyer cum politician expressed his dedication to supporting the well-being of the community.

In a subsequent Facebook post, Mr Afenyo-Markin assured the public of his continuous support.

The donated items included desktop computers, printers, air conditioners, swivel chairs, file cabinets, landline telephones, and workstations.

Earlier in the day, the lawmaker also extended additional donations to the Winneba Senior High School and the Effutu Municipal Office.

The senior high school received a generous donation of 300 beds, while the municipal office was furnished with essential office equipment.

The Ghana Immigration Service has explained why it arrested and later repatriated Ms. Shalimar Abbuisi, a Belgian national and spokesperson of The New Force, a new political group in Ghana.

GIS in chronicling events leading to the widely condemned action, says among other things, Ms. Shalimar Abbuisi’s residence permit was revoked by “the Comptroller-General pursuant to Section 20 (2)(a) of Immigration Act,2000, Act 573 as she had obtained the students’ permit by fraudulent misrepresentation”, and that “Per the law, Ms Shalimar Abbiusi could not remain in Ghana and the Comptroller-General ordered her removal from the country.

“Consequently, she was repatriated on the 19^th of December, 2023 aboard Air Brussels Flt. No. SN 319 back to her home country.”

Read the full statement by the GIS below, signed by C/Supt. Michael Amoako-Atta, Head of Public Affairs.

The Sampa Sector Command of the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) in the Bono Region has rescued 11 Nigerians from alleged human trafficking agents on the Ghana-Ivory border in the Jaman North District. 
 
They were victims of “Q-Net,” a popular fraudulent online scheme, which allegedly lured and defrauded them of huge sums of money under the pretext of securing them jobs abroad. 
 
Assistant Commissioner of Immigration (ACI) John Morcher, the Sector Commander of the GIS, said with the support of their families and relations, all the victims had since been returned to their home countries. 
 
They were trafficked and held hostage at Bondoukou, a city in northeastern Cote d’Ivoire, about 420 kilometres northeast of Abidjan, through some unapproved borders in the district. 
 
In an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) at Sampa, the Jaman North District capital and a border town, ACI Morcher said preliminary investigations revealed some unidentified commercial motorbike riders (Okada) in the area aided the traffickers. 
 
The Okada riders aided the traffickers and transported the unsuspecting victims to cross the border to Cote d’Ivoire through some unapproved routes in the border communities. 
 
ACI Morcher explained that a sensitisation team set up by the International Centre for Migration and Policy Development (ICMPD) and CDD-Ghana under its Cross-Border Crime and Human Trafficking sensitisation project being implemented in the district identified the victims. 
 
The Sector commander lauded the implementation of the project, saying it had helped to enlighten the border communities on cross-border crimes. 
 
ACI Morcher warned the Okada riders engaged in the unscrupulous and illegal practices to stop, saying culprits would be prosecuted under the Human Trafficking Act, 2005 Act 694. 
 
The Deputy Superintendent of Immigration (DSI) David Odoi Kpobi and Leader of the sensitiation team, told the GNA, that the victims escaped from a camp in Bondoukou and arrived at the Sampa border on Wednesday, October 11, 2023, around 1330 hours. 
 
After subjecting them to rigorous profiling by the border security, it was revealed that they were victims of “Q-Net,” and investigations showed the traffickers had successfully defrauded them of huge sums of monies, he said. 
 
Some of the victims confessed they had transferred huge sums of monies from Nigeria to their captors through some agents before they left Nigeria through Ghana to Cote d’Ivoire, with the hope to travel and work abroad, only for them to be held hostage and maltreated, DSI Kpobi stated.

The Western Regional Command of the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS), has arrested 31 alleged prostitutes and human traffickers within the region. 

The suspects were arrested for their notorious activities in the Ellembelle District and Nzema East Municipality of the Western Region.

The Service in a press release issued said the suspects were arrested following a two-day intelligence-led operation. 

The suspects were arrested at their various hideouts including drinking bars and makeshift structures within the Essiama enclave.

The suspects are aged between 22 years and 37 years.

“In all, the over 30 hours of sustained operation saw to the arrest of 28 suspected prostitutes, including two nursing mothers.”

“The other suspects were the two suspected Traffickers, Ndubueze Okereke, 37 years and his wife, Ifeoma Okereke, 35 years, all Nigerians except Kofo Bekoe, who is a Ghanaian and the host of a suspected Trafficking syndicate.”

“This particular operation was planned and successfully carried out with the support from the authorities of the above-mentioned assemblies, owing to the growing concerns of the nefarious activities, especially by some of the foreign nationals within the said communities, and the impunity with which the brothel operated,” the GIS stated.

The statement added that the search conducted as part of the investigations revealed that all the suspects entered the country illegally and therefore were without passports or any other travel identification documents.

The statement concluded that further search of them and the premises exposed packs of used and unused condoms, especially in the rooms.

The Aflao Sector Command of the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has explained that the closure of the main gate of the Aflao Border to Togo was to allow for security screening. 

Border security officials, on Monday evening, temporarily closed the main gate of the border preventing scores of Togolese motorcyclists seeking entry into the country to ostensibly buy fuel, following an alleged shortage of the commodity in the neighbouring country. 

While some believed that the fuel shortage was due to “a delay in the delivery of products,” others alleged that an expected increase in fuel prices led to the situation, describing it as an artificial fuel shortage. 

Assistant Commissioner of Immigration (ACI) Frederick Baah Duodu, the Aflao Sector Commander, speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) said Monday evening’s closure lasted barely an hour and was meant for screening, after which it was re-opened. 

“The temporary closure of the main gate of the border was an emergency measure to screen the travelling public to know, who were genuinely travelling to Aflao and beyond and those who were coming to Aflao purposely to buy fuel because of the situation that persisted in Lome then. We allowed those travelling access and turned away those coming for fuel. We didn’t close the border.” 

“The situation in Lome has normalised. The whole of yesterday we didn’t experience motorcyclists trying to come to Aflao to buy fuel. You’ll realise that there’s a free flow of travellers and that there’s calm at the border,” Ex WOI Maxwell Addo-Boateng, National Security Liaison Officer for Ketu South confirmed to GNA. 

Early on, Mr Kwashie Akorsu, Public Relations Officer for Commercial Motor Riders Association in Ketu South, who spoke to the GNA Monday evening, said they were monitoring the fuel purchase by their counterparts from Togo and would raise an alarm when necessary, insisting they had then noticed nothing untoward. 

The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has taken disciplinary action against 27 officers, comprising three senior officers and 24 junior officers, for their involvement in various offences that have brought the reputation of the Service into disrepute. 

The interdictions were announced in a circular signed by the Comptroller-General of Immigration, Mr Kwame Asuah Takyi.

The interdicted officers have been accused of engaging in activities such as recruitment and/or visa fraud, among other offences, which contravene Regulation 138 (1)(a) and (k) of the Immigration Service Regulations, 2016 (L.I. 2245). 

The interdictions are aimed at facilitating thorough investigations into the cases in accordance with internal disciplinary procedures. Following the investigations, necessary legal action will be taken against those found culpable.

The interdicted officers are Chief Superintendent Philipson Adeti, Superintendent Dominic Eshun, Assistant Superintendent of Immigration (ASI) Marvin Essandoh, Senior Inspector (Snr. Insp.) Augustine Nuamah, Snr. Insp. Martin Owusu, Inspector (Insp.) Stephen Kofi Acheampong and Insp. Patrick Asante.

Others include Insp. Benjamin Darko, Assistant Inspector (Asst. Insp.) Victor Donkor, Asst. Insp. Daniel Danso Ntiamoah, Asst. Insp. Wisdom Ahorlu, Asst. Insp. Wisdom Elorm Addo, Asst. Insp. Hamdiya Abass, Asst. Insp. Elizabeth Quainoo and Asst. Insp Isaac Dzihlornu, Asst. Insp. Edmund Agbotey, Asst. Insp. Mary Agyemang Duah, Immigration Control Officer (ICO) Iddrisu Adam, ICO Christopher Torgbenu, ICO Joseph Ampomah, and ICO Francis Dabi.

The remaining officers include Assistant Immigration Control Officer I (AICO I) Cosmos Dakora, AICO I Ebenezer Azumah, AICO I Bright Buabeng, AICO I Collins Nyarko, AICO II Solomon Koney Laryea, and AICO II Samuel Kuranchie.

The GIS in a statement signed by C/Supt. Michael Amoako-Atta encouraged members of the public who may have been victims of the alleged acts of these officers to come forward and provide information to assist in the ongoing investigations.

The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has promoted four officers for their bravery and selflessness during a rescue mission to save three other colleagues who were attacked by unknown assailants in Bawku on April 3, this year. 

The three officers whose car came under fire from unknown gunmen on their way to buy food were 30-year-old Assistant Inspector Eric Ayidiya, stationed at the Polimakom border post, and 42-year-old Inspector Lawrence Afari, stationed at Kulungugu post, both of whom got injured and received treatment at the Bawku Presbyterian Hospital. 

A third officer, 42-year-old Inspector Philip Motey, died from injuries sustained during the attack. He was laid to rest last Saturday. 

The officers who rescued their colleagues: Chief Superintendent (C/Supt.) Michael Brewu Ampofoh was promoted to the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Immigration. 

Assistant Inspector Harris Quartey was promoted to the rank of Inspector; Immigration Control Officer (ICO) Wisdom Elorm Addo was promoted to the rank of Assistant Inspector, whilst Assistant Immigration Control Officer Grade II Emmanuel Forson was promoted to the rank of Assistant Immigration Control Officer Grade I. 

All four officers also received citations, certificates and plaques, recognising their work. 

The Controller-General of Immigration, Kwame Asuah Takyi, in an address, said on the evening of April 3, 2023 at about 19:51 hours, Chief Superintendent Michal Brewu Ampofoh, received a distress call from one Assistant Inspector Eric Afari who informed the Bawku Command of the attack by the unknown gunmen who fired several shots at their vehicle, killing Inspector Phillip Motey and injuring two others. 

Mr Takyi commended Chief Superintendent Ampofo and the three others for their swift response despite the perilous situation. 

“Quickly, Chief Supt. Ampofoh and team of other three officers rushed to the scene while keeping touch with Assistant Inspector Laurence Afari through his phone, receiving directions and reassuring them that help was coming until the team got there… while it shocked me as well as many others how the immigration response team got there faster in spite of the danger on their way,” he said. 

He encouraged other officers to follow the example of the four by not turning their backs on fellow colleagues when their assistance was needed especially, in volatile areas of duty such as Bawku. 

“All security personnel should hold and teach that we must not turn our backs on our colleagues in any way or form when our help is most needed. I say this because we all know about the situation in the Bawku area and the danger that the conflict poses to security officials and residents as a whole,” he said. 

On her part, Mrs. Adelaide Anno-Kumi, the Chief Director at the Ministry of Interior, in an address, on behalf of the Minister, Ambrose Dery, commended the immigration service for recognising the heroic move by the four officers as stipulated in regulation 171D (2016) L.I. 2245 of the Ghana Immigration Service. 

Madam Anno-Kumi hinted that Government via the Ministry of Interior recognised threats faced by immigration service officers who worked around the clock to ensure that the country’s borders were safe and protected against all forms of cross border crimes. 

She added that government would continue to retool the service to execute its mandate as expected. 

 The newly promoted Michael Brewu Ampofoh at a media interview said though he was pleased with the recognition for his hard work, he saw this award and promotion as an extra duty which required more efforts and commitment. 

“… day in day out when we are promoted from one rank to the other it is an additional responsibility which is a paradigm shift in your behaviour, your operations, your attitudes towards work, how you respond to such calls,” he said. 

Following the successful conclusion of the Accra Initiative, the European Union (EU) is delivering on its commitment to enhancing Ghana’s security by donating five motorbikes with helmets and 50 document verification devices to the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS).

This will support GIS in its effort to ensure greater security for citizens and visitors while guaranteeing respect for the rule of law and human rights standards by border management authorities.

This is the second donation by the EU to GIS within the framework of the Strengthening Border Security in Ghana project (SBS Ghana) at an estimated EUR 1Million.

In August 2020, the EU as a long-standing partner of Ghana, provided COVID -19 emergency assistance to the GIS, by donating 15 laptops, five vehicles (three pick-up and two minibuses), five motorbikes and personal protective equipment worth over €280,000.

Speaking at the handing over event today, the Ambassador of the EU to Ghana, Irchad Razaaly stated that “The EU will continue to strengthen its partnership with Ghana in the fight against transnational organised crime and border security with technical training.

“It will also be supporting Ghanaian law enforcement agencies to acquire knowledge, skills and tools to reinforce their efforts against international organised crime and insecurity on land.”

The Deputy Minister for the Interior Naana Eyiah said, “We treasure the continuous support the EU continues to give the Ghana Immigration Service, as the Services strives to secure and protect Ghana’s borders which in the long run strengthens regional security”

Within the framework of the SBS Project, the EU in the next phase (2023) provide 10 laptops, 2 pick-up vehicles and border patrol equipment to increase the operational capacity of the GIS.

The Bank of Ghana has organised a day’s financial literacy sensitisation programme for officers of the Ghana Immigration Service in the Western region.

The financial literacy covered banking services as well as consumer rights and responsibilities.

The event was to increase awareness of key financial consumer protection issues to enhance consumer confidence in the banking sector.

According to the Central Bank, there has been an increase in the number of complaints lodged against licensed institutions in respect of products, services, and practices.

Most of these complaints, according to the regulator of the banking industry, borders on issues such as non – disclosure of key information, wrongful application of interest on loans, imposition of unexplained charges, payment of remittances to wrong beneficiaries, and other forms of financial fraud.

However, a critical observation from the complaints by the Central Bank, points to the knowledge gap on the part of some consumers, regarding financial and banking-related issues .

Western Region Manager of the Bank of Ghana, Kofi Assan, intimated that it is therefore imperative that stringent efforts are made to create the needed awareness to boost consumer confidence.

Head of External Dispute Resolution of the Bank of Ghana, Rev. Kwasi Twum, also spoke of the critical role the Ghana Immigration Service plays in the fight against money laundering and other cross-border crimes, and as such their knowledge of the financial sector should always be enhanced.

Speaking on behalf of the regional commander of the Ghana Immigration Service, DCOI Dr. Price Asiama, ACI Beatrice Okpoti was hopeful that the sensitisation will further enhance the Service’s drive at curbing financial irregularities at the borders.

Participants were taken through presentations on rights and responsibilities as a financial consumer, customer complaints resolution procedures as well as creating a culture of Anti Money Laundering compliance.

The Bank of Ghana has organised a financial literacy programme for officers of the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) in the Volta Regional capital, Ho.

The programme, dubbed ‘Public Sensitisation Programme on Banking Services, Consumer Rights and Responsibilities’, seeks to help officers of the Ghana Immigration Service understand the financial system and empower them with relevant knowledge to assist them make the right financial decisions.

Speaking at the programme, the Head of the Conduct Supervision Unit of the Financial Stability Department of the Bank of Ghana, Augustine Amoako Donkor, cautioned the public against certain financial products which promise huge returns on investments, saying, such offers are usually fraudulent.

He advised the officers to always consider the safety of their funds as they get attracted to the unreasonably huge returns promised by some financial institutions.

Mr. Amoako Donkor stressed the need for customers of financial institutions to undertake due diligence before signing onto investment products, indicating that, most people are lured into investments without adequate knowledge of the critical components of the financial instrument and how it works.

He encouraged the officers and public to avoid any suspicious financial product or company and report same to the regulator for quick action to be taken.

Mr. Amoako Donkor stressed the need for customers of financial institutions to read and understand the agreements and terms and conditions of products and services given them by service providers before signing onto them.

He urged the GIS Officers to ensure that they receive clarity on all information on products and services provided by financial institutions, particularly on fees and charges, and requested them to report all undisclosed fees and charges to the Central Bnk.

Mr. Amoako Donkor further encouraged the GIS Officers to continuously monitor their accounts and the activities of the institutions they do business with, and not to go to sleep after signing onto financial products and services. In this way, they are able to promptly observe or detect any unauthorised or illegal happenings on their accounts to enable them raise the necessary alerts.

He urged customers of financial institutions to demonstrate responsibility by sticking to signed agreements and terms and conditions, especially in the area of credit facilities.

He called on borrowers to endeavor to pay off credit facilities, adding that the credit reporting system which facilitates credit information sharing among lenders could make other lenders refuse to grant further credit to borrowers who default in loan repayment.

Speaking on Customer Complaint Handling Procedures, Daniel Mensah Sarpong of the Market Conduct Office of the Financial Stability Department of the central bank stated that it is the right of every customer of a financial institution to make a complaint to the service provider and receive resolution anytime they are not satisfied with a product or service.

He added that customers may seek the intervention of the Bank of Ghana where they are not satisfied with the resolution provided by financial institutions.

The officers were also encouraged to update their bank records with the Ghana Card.

The programme focused on topics such as the regulatory authorities of Ghana’s financial sector, institutions regulated by the Bank of Ghana, responsible borrowing, identifying Ponzi schemes, complaint reporting guidelines, and anti-money laundering/countering the financing of terrorism matters

The Bank of Ghana has offered financial literacy training to personnel of the Ghana Immigration Service in the Ashanti region.

The training is aimed at empowering the security personnel with knowledge in managing their finances and to make the right financial decisions.

The workshop is part of the Bank of Ghana’s annual activities to educate the public on financial management.

The training covered critical areas including, identification of licensed financial institutions, official means to lodge complaints, loan applications, and money laundering.

According to statistics by the central bank, the majority of complaints received are from security personnel.

Godfred Cudjoe of the Financial Stability Department of the Bank says most of the security personnel are victims of ponzi schemes.

“The bank noticed that from our complaint statistics, a number of complainants came from the security agencies. Especially when it comes to ponzi schemes within country, the security agencies are the most hit,” he said. 

The Bank of Ghana cautioned the public against disposing of their mobile SIM cards after borrowing money from the telecommunication networks.

According to Godfred Cudjoe, this will affect the ability to access a loan from the banks.

“The information is kept by the credit bureau. So, if you need a loan another time from a bank, they will check and know that you once took MoMo loan and didn’t pay. This will affect your ability of getting a loan when you are in dire need of funds,” he said. 

Chief Accountant at the Ashanti regional command of the Ghana Immigration Service, Joshua Mensah Ayettey, says the training would help in reducing the growing statistics of staff losing money to Ponzi schemes.

“This would help us a lot. We are privileged for the knowledge and awareness given us. Knowledge stimulates action. So, what has been learnt here will be shared,” he said. 

The training is expected to be replicated across all other security agencies.

Ejisu Member of Parliament (MP), John Kumah has dispelled claims he secured 50 slots in the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) for his constituents.

The MP who doubles as a Deputy Finance Minister described the reports circulating as ‘propaganda’.

Last week, Mr Kumah received 50 newly recruited Immigration Officers from his constituency who had visited his office with their families.

The photo of them went viral with many asserting that he used his position to get them recruited.

But in a statement, the Deputy Finance Minister stated categorically that the claim is false and should be disregarded.

According to him, the officers were at the Ejisu Solution Centre which has been set up to tackle unemployment in the area to show their appreciation for the support they received ahead of their recruitment.

“The Center does not only serve the people of Ejisu but youth in the Ashanti region and its surrounding environments. Over the years, the center has assisted young people to secure jobs in both private and public institutions through proper career guidance and training.

“We receive job requests from youth across the country and we try our best to prepare and assist them apply for jobs,” he explained.

The statement stressed that the immigration officers were not up to 50 and some of them were from Assin Fosu, Berekum, Kwame Danso and other places.

“The Ejisu Solution Centre will continue to assist young persons who need support in finding job placement in Ghana. The Ejisu Club 100 has been of immense support to young entrepreneurs as well. Together we can create wealth and build a prosperous Ghana.”

Seventeen foreign nationals, who entered the country through unapproved routes along the Bunkpurugu area of the Ghana-Togo border, have been arrested and repatriated by the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS).

The migrants, comprising of 16 Togolese and a Burkinabe, were rounded up by security officers at a suburb of Bunkpurugu where they were hiding.

The Bunkpurugu Sector Commander of the GIS, Chief Superintendent Rev. Edwin Adjetey Doku, said a team of Immigration, Police and National Investigations Bureau (NIB) officers arrested the foreigners.

Upon investigations, he said, it was revealed that they had rented an apartment where they had been hiding for the past three months.

He said they claimed to have been engaging in QNET, an online marketing business.

“After several interrogations and investigations, they disclosed that they used an unapproved route to enter Ghana,” he said.

Repatriation

C/Supt Rev. Doku explained, however, that no evidence was found on the migrants to suggest their involvement in terrorism.

The 17 were, however, repatriated and handed over to the Togo Border Operatives for further actions.

C/Supt Rev. Doku indicated that the landlord who rented the accommodation to them had been invited for interrogation, while efforts were being made to arrest the alleged agent who facilitated their movement into the country.

There is growing fear and panic among residents living along the Ghana-Togo border in the Northern and North East regions following a reported militant attack in northern Togo that resulted in the death of eight soldiers and the injury of many others.

Last month’s attack occurred at Dapaongo, a northern Togo town, which shares boundaries with Bunkpurugu and Tatale in Ghana.

The town is said to be about five kilometres from the Bunkpurugu township.

Terrorism alert

The Ministry of National Security last week notified the security agencies of the suspicious movement of some group of persons at Garu, Bunkpurugu and Nakpanduri in the Upper East and North East regions.

A notice issued by the ministry and copied to the Ghana Armed Forces and the Ghana Police Service on Friday, June 3, 2022, said the group was sighted on motorbikes in the Garu District.

“Intelligence gathered indicated suspicious movement of a group of persons along a mountainous area that borders Bunkpurugu/Nankpanduri District in the North East Region and Garu in the Upper East Region,” the notice said.

The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has recommended an inter-agency approach to clamp down on the influx of child beggars in the Greater Accra Region.

According to a study in 2021, more than 61,000 children below the age of 18 years are living in the streets of Accra alone.

The situation, it states, has gotten worse even though government in 2017 promised to deal with streetism.

Migrants from neighbouring West African countries, including Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali continue to flood the capital’s highways to beg.

In order to resolve the issue, the GIS has called on all relevant stakeholders to contribute to resolving the issue.  

Speaking on JoyNews, the Public Relations Officer at the Service, Supt. Amoako Atta said the children are running away from danger and need some form of shelter.

“For those on the street, most of them are running away from danger and they are within our country so it is for other stakeholders and agencies to come in and provide shelter and find a certain way of keeping them within a certain jurisdiction,” he said.

Police in the Upper West Region has begun investigations into the murder of 26-year-old Immigration Officer, Michael Otu.

The deceased was found lying supine in a pull of blood under a culvert on Tuesday. He is reported to have been shot by some unknown assailants while on night duty along the Ghana-Burkina Faso border.

It is unclear what led to the shooting. Speaking to JoyNews, the family of the deceased said they only heard the sad news on social media and from colleagues of the late officer.

The Upper West Regional Crimes Officer of the Ghana Police Service, ACP Reynolds Manteaw in an exclusive interview with JoyNews after visiting the scene, said the Police are yet to determine the cause of death of the officer.

“Upon a careful inspection of the body, it was found that there were punches at the back of the body of the deceased which clearly suggests foul play. For now, I am not in the position to tell whether they were gunshots or he was pierced with sharp implements, but after the autopsy, we will be able to tell whether they were gunshots or wounds from sharp implements but for now investigation is being carried out rigorously,” he said.

According to the Police, the body of the deceased has been deposited at the Saint Theresa’s Hospital morgue in Nandom.

He noted that the officer’s ballistic helmet and his motorbike were found at the scene of the incident.

“When Police got to the scene, they found a lifeless body of the Officer which had been kept in a culvert. And so when it was retrieved from the culvert, you realise that the uniform was soaked in blood. Also found at the scene was his ballistic helmet and also the jungle cap that he used to wear. They were found about 39 metres from where his body was lying. Again, some 69 metres away from where his body was found, was his absconding motorbike which he was using and so all these items were retrieved,” he added.

ACP Manteaw said calm has returned to the area and assured the people of the readiness of the Police to protect them.

He also called for support from the public to come forth with information to help apprehend the killers.

JoyNews’ Correspondent, Walanyo who spoke to the family said although the family is yet to be informed officially by the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS), the news about the purported death of Michael has left them in grief and sorrow.

Micheal Otu worked with the Hamile detachment in Operation Conquered Fist under the Ghana Immigration Service.

A 26-year-old Immigration Officer, Michael Otu has been shot dead by some unknown assailants in the border town of Hamile in the Upper West Region.

On night duty along the Ghana-Burkina Faso border, Mr Otu was shot at Kokoligu, a village between Nandom and Hamile.

It is unclear what led to the shooting but speaking to JoyNews, family of the deceased said they only heard the sad news on social media and from colleagues of the late officer.

The family has since been left devastated and consumed by grief and uncontrollable emotions.

JoyNews’ Correspondent, Walanyo who spoke to the family confirmed the incident.

He said although the family is yet to be informed officially by the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS), the news about the purported death of Michael has left them in grief and sorrow.

He noted that the elder brother of the Officer, Richard Otu expressed worry over the information reaching the family.

Mr Michael Otu, the last of four children, joined the Ghana Immigration Service in 2016 and he is married with one child.

Micheal Otu was with the Hamile detachment in Operation Conquered Fist under the Ghana Immigration Service.

The Ghana Immigration Service is yet to visit the family and confirm the incident.

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has organised intensive training on Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) for targeted points of Entry Officials of the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS).

The training took place at the Koforidua Training Centre of the Ghana Immigration Service. Over the next 4 weeks, about 200 GIS officers are expected to be trained.

In his remarks, the Chief Representative of JICA Ghana, Mr. Araki Yasumichi said: “Border management is critical to secure the frontiers and safeguard every nation from the risks involved in the movement of goods and people from one country to other neighboring countries and vice versa.

The movement of goods and people is essential for every country in the interest of its economy. Within the current COVID-19 pandemic, developing the capacity to respond to infectious diseases in the context of border management has become very crucial.”

On December 6, 2021, Record of Discussion was signed for the commencement of the Technical Cooperation Project for Strengthening Border Public Health Capacity at Points of Entry in Ghana.

The project is expected to strengthen the capacity of border management for responding to COVID-19 and other infectious diseases at 16 minor border points of entry across Ghana.

The project has two main components; Procurement and installation of sanitation facility for COVID-19 and other infectious diseases, for about 16 border posts across the country and the “Training on Infection Prevention and Control”.

According to Mr. Araki: “We anticipate that by the end of the training and subsequently installation of sanitary equipment, GIS’s capacity of border management for responding to COVID-19 and other infectious diseases at the targeted points of entry would have been strengthened.”

The Eastern Regional Commander of the Ghana Immigration Service, Ms. Prudence Aku Sosu remarked: “History has taught us that one of the defining factors in times of adversity is Strategic Partnership. The Ghana Immigration Service is grateful to JICA for the resource interventions and the Human Capacity Enhancement training programs which will better equip our Point of Entry staff to effectively utilize the resources we have received and continue to have a long-lasting positive impact in the management of travelers in the context of Covid-19 pandemic.”

In his Speech, Mr. Dominic Afriyie Agyeman, Head of Immigration unit, Ministry of Interior, said: “On behalf of the Minister for Interior, I would like to thank JICA for this laudable programme, which forms part of government’s efforts to enhance its migration governance drive. Migration has assumed an important role in the global agenda as the prospects for social and economic development is increasingly gaining recognition from policymakers and leaders of nations.”

He concluded: “This programme is an indication of how we are striving as a country to get things done together for desirable results. This falls in line with our attempt to meet objectives 7 and 15 of the Global Compact on Migration endorsed by the United Nations in December 2018 in order to achieve a Universal Health Coverage for all.”

JICA has been supporting the regional trade and integration through the development of international corridors and development of the WAGRIC Master Plan. The regional integration and economic growth would also be a focus area during the next Tokyo International Conference on Africa Development (TICAD 8).

The four security personnel who were arrested in Bole for stealing during an operation at Koundanlgou have been interdicted.

The four suspects; Assistant Inspector of Immigration Joseph Awuku Kumi, 39; Constable Christian Appiah Junior, 24; G/Constable Augustine Apraku, 28; and G/Constable Richmond Owusu Ansah, 30.

According to the Savannah Regional Police Command, preliminary investigations have provided enough evidence for the officers to be interdicted to serve as deterrence to other security service personnel.

On Monday, November 29, 2021, the said officers were arrested for stealing some belongings from illegal miners.

The police revealed that after the arrest of the personnel, Constable Christian Appiah had on him GH₵4,135.

Whereas, Constable Augustine Apraku and Constable Richmond Owusu Ansah were found with smartphones belonging to the illegal miners.

The Assistant Inspector of Immigration, Joseph Awuku Kumi, was found with an amount to the tune of ¢10,880.

Currently, the suspects are in the Savannah regional police custody, and the exhibits are retained for further investigation.

The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has intercepted about 1,490 slabs of substances suspected to be Indian Hemp along the Togolese border in the Nyive sector.

The substances were hidden in a bush concealed in sacks with an unregistered Royal motorcycle in the environs of Atikpui, in the Ho Municipality of the Volta Region.

Each of the sacks contained an average of 80 parcels of the suspected substance, labelled as ‘3’, ‘5’, ‘Bx’, and ‘Boss’ waiting to be smuggled into Togo.

The Nyive Immigration Sector Commander, Chief Supt. Alhaji Abdulai Zakaria said routine surveillance and monitoring led to the discovery of the suspected narcotics en route to neighbouring Togo.

He praised the efforts of his unit for their rapid response but lamented the poor support and aggression of residents towards the team during such operations, attempting to prevent the border securities from discharging their duties.

“We had to fire warning shots to keep the aggressive town folks at bay and give us space to perform our duties”, he said.

He further sent a solid caution to people involved in smuggling and engaging in cross-border crimes to cease such acts.

“We have monitored the activists of those involved in this illicit business for a long time, but yesterday was their time and God willing, we were able to move swiftly based on surveillance and monitoring.”

“My men were able to respond to the call that I placed to them, and within a few minutes, we were at the spot that made us intercept this gargantuan substance suspected to be Indian hemp”, he said.

“We know they also have intel, and we’ll catch up with them”, he stressed, assuring that the people attempting to smuggle the 1,490 slabs of suspected Indian Hemp would soon be arrested.

Scores of unemployed youth have trooped to various recruitment centers in the Bono East Regional capital, to be enlisted into the security services.

Many of them the Ghana News Agency (GNA) found out, are Senior High School, Polytechnic and University graduates, who traveled far and near to go through various tests to be recruited into the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) and the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS).

During a visit to the Techiman Senior High School premises, a recruitment center for the GNFS, the anxious and prospective applicants had formed long queues, and waited patiently.

The Deputy Chief Fire Officer (DCFO) George Anim Frimpong, the Bono East Regional Fire Commander told the GNA 2,908 prospective applicants were expected to go through selection exercises.

He said applicants were taken through verification and authentication of application documents, height checks, body selection, and aptitude test.

DCFO Frimpong said it was untrue that some applicants were picked on ‘protocol allocation’ saying only qualified applicants would be enlisted.

The situation was not different at the Techiman campus of the Valley View University where enlistment into the GIS was going on, as hundreds of prospective applicants were sighted going through the recruitment process.

Assistant Commissioner of Immigration (ACI) Enock Annor, the Bono East Regional Commander of the GIS said the exercise had been peaceful so far, saying the enlistment process was expected to end on Saturday, October 30, this year.

Security Analyst, Adams Bona, has backed the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS)’s decision to disqualify applicants with body alterations.

Adam Bona, speaking on the AM Show on Thursday, explained that persons with tattoos or scars risk suffering an infection, hence the need to deny them entry into the Service.

“People think this is ridiculous, but it is not. If you have ever been part of some of these agencies when they are deployed, you will understand how tedious it is,” he said.

“If you are deployed and you have to be in your boot for days, it is not something for the fainthearted.”

Whilst Adams Bona admits “having a problem” with the rejection of applicants with piercings, he explained that it was for good reasons that persons with scars and tattoos were being disqualified.

“Once you alter your skin, chances are that it could generate into sores…if part of your skin is weak because you had some tattoos or scars, chances are that they could degenerate into sores and get infected. That could lead to you not being able to continue with the rest of the group,” he explained.

There are reports that some applicants to the security services have been disqualified because they have stretch marks, tattoos, and in some instances, piercings.

Over the years, the above and more are some of the basis for failing some applicants.

This year’s situation has sparked public debate as many people believe such requirements are discriminatory.

Meanwhile, Col. Festus Aboagye (Rtd.) has called for a revision in the physical requirements for entry into the various national security agencies.

He said reports that the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) had disqualified some applicants because alterations on their bodies are a non-starter.

“We need to have a scientific approach to it. It’s not a matter of sitting around the table and saying that the Fire Service, Immigration, or Armed Forces can recruit this group of people. “We need to scientifically look at the question, bring in medical experts and bring in the soldiers too also who are experts,” he suggested on the AM Show on Thursday.

The Director of the Faculty of Academic Affairs and Research at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) has raised the alarm concerning the motivation of some recruits into Ghana’s security agencies.

Prof Emmanuel Kwesi Aning said most of these recruits flooding recruitment centres in the hopes of securing jobs into the Service have no love for the jobs they’re applying for, neither do they feel any sense of loyalty to the country they hope to serve.

His comments were in reaction to two young men who had applied to join the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS).

According to the duo, John Asante Junior and Eric Obeng Brenya, they hope to become billionaires when enlisted.

They explained that hopefully, “Our salaries as Immigration personnel will help us become billionaires. That is why we applied to join,” the two told state-broadcaster GTV.

Prof. Aning speaking on JoyFM’s Super Morning Show, stated that the motivation of the two young fellows was a recipe for a national disaster.

“If we look at why people went into these services in the 1960s and the 1970s, it was because people loved the service. There was a certain sense of loyalty, there was an honour in wearing the uniform, and people were willing to subject themselves to the discipline and the training.

“You cannot seek employment with Immigrations, and you have the audacity to say on live TV that you want to become a billionaire except if you want to steal. Except if you want to see this state institution as a conduit for extorting money,” he said.

“Now, when such a person seeks to enter a state institution, driven purely by pecuniary interest, then this individual as he or she rises through the ranks will be prepared to sell the secrets of the state and our collective survival to the highest bidder,” he added.

Prof. Aning indicated that the revelation by the duo was the much-needed justification for state security agencies to start revising their recruitment policies to ensure people with this mindset do not slip into the service.

“Should they place this on their agenda? Yes, when do we start the process of recruitment? When do we start making the sift so that we don’t even get people who want to become billionaires?

“Even millionaires will be a criminal thought. Or even the dream of earning hundreds of thousands is unacceptable. But how do we profile these massive numbers? Some will definitely slip through the net,” he said.

However, he was empathetic to the duo and the many young people who had thronged the premises of the El-Wak Stadium, hopeful of passing the first recruitment hurdle.

According to him, it was only instinctive of them to seek employment with the state agency to earn a living considering the dire economic hardship the country is suffering.

“But it sounds to me and from last year when you listen to the video that people made and people were saying that loyalty to the state hardly plays any role.

“It is in the individual’s drive to survive and have a job by all means, and the vision and mission of that job are not important. I want a roof over my head. I mean, it’s very normal; it’s an understandable desire,” he said.

But such desperation, the Professor noted, could lead to undesirable consequences in the future.

“But I think therein lies the potential of some very serious and disturbing things to happen, and I think National Security Secretariat should be preparing the appropriate documents and sending it to the individual institutions represented on the council to place it on the agenda. This is a dangerous development,” he said.

Security analyst Col. Festus Aboagye (Rtd.) has called for a revision of the physical requirements for entry into the various national security agencies.

He said reports that Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has disqualified some applicants because of alterations on their bodies are a non-starter.

“We need to have a scientific approach to it. It’s not a matter of sitting around the table and saying that the Fire Service, Immigration, or Armed Forces can recruit this group of people.

“We need to scientifically look at the question, bring in medical experts and bring in the soldiers, who are experts,” he suggested on the AM Show on Thursday.

There are reports that some applicants into the security services have been disqualified because they have stretchmarks, tattoos, and in some instances, piercings.

Over the years, the above and more are some of the basis for failing some applicants.

This year’s situation has sparked public debate as many people believe such requirements are discriminatory.

Adding his voice to the discussion, Col. Festus Aboagye (Rtd.) said some of the physical requirements have no scientific basis.

For instance, the GIS has set the minimum height of 1.73metres (5ft 8inch) for males and 1.63 meters (5ft 4inch) for females in its general recruitment requirements.

This height limitation, which has become a difficult hurdle for prospective applicants, has also been greeted with dissatisfaction among some sections of the populace.

According to him, it is necessary for there to be height limitations as it influences tactical preparations.

He indicated that future alterations in the height requirements for prospective personnel should be based on science.

“When we used to go for road marches, those of us who were a bit tall, especially those who were very tall, we were spending a lot of energy because the shorter people were not going as fast as they do. In the Immigration Service, you could have those kinds of tactical situations if you are deploying to border areas.

“Height still matters, but the question is how low do you go? The answer must come from scientific assessment and scientific estimates, and operational and institutional appraisal,” Col. Festus Aboagye (Rtd.) intimated.

Although Col. Festus Aboagye (Rtd.) agrees that persons with tattoos and excessive scars should be prevented from being enlisted, he questioned the basis for rejecting applicants with piercings.

“I won’t endorse tattoos. It makes you stand out as somebody who doesn’t conform. It should be equated to scaring. But I have serious issues about why any man or woman who has pierced ears should not be enlisted into some of these services,” he said.

Two young people who have applied to join the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) hope to become billionaires when enlisted.

The two have identified themselves as John Asante Junior and Eric Obeng Brenya.

“Our salaries as Immigration personnel will help us become billionaires. That is why we applied to join,” the two told mentioned to state-broadcaster GTV.

They were among thousands of young people who throng the El-Wak stadium in Accra to be screened as part of processes that will possibly lead to their application success.

Several thousands of young people across the country are hoping to secure employment by being enlisted into Ghana’s security service.

The long queues that have been seen at various screening centres for entry into the Service are not very different from what was witnessed during the application process for enlistment into the Ghana Armed Forces and the Ghana National Fire Service.

In July this year, thousands of young people massed up at the El-Wak Sports Stadium to participate in the medical screening process for recruitment into the Ghana Armed Forces.

Unemployment among Ghanaian youth is high.

The government has already given the strongest indication that it is not well-placed to employ more people in the public sector.

The Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, speaking at a Springboard-Ghana Cares Youth Dialogue earlier this month, urged young people to venture into entrepreneurship instead of looking up to the government for jobs in the public sector.

The Bono Regional Commander of the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS), DCI Eric Afari, has urged officers to enhance their knowledge base and sharpen their managerial skills in their dealings with asylum seekers/refugees, in order not to infringe on their rights.

He believes such skills acquired will help provide legitimate humanitarian services and ensure the protection of the refugees. 

The commander made the remarks during the opening ceremony of a four-day training workshop on legal instruments of refugee management in Sunyani.

In all, 45 sector commanders of GIS from the Northern Sector, including Upper East, Upper West, North East, Bono, and the Northern Regions, are being trained to expose them to the requisite legal regimes and provisions underpinning refugee management and the management frameworks required for effective refugee administration from the global, regional, and national perspectives.

The training, being facilitated by officials from United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), is a follow-up on a high-level dialogue on Refugee Management held in Accra in August 2011.

DCI Afari explained that the security and political situation in parts of the sub-region is unpredictable, and is, therefore, a matter of survival and self-preservation for people to flee from their country of abode to seek shelter at a safe place in Ghana. 

Because of such situations, he said the issues of refugee management would continue to be a part of the activities of GIS for as long as the security situation in countries around Ghana remains uncertain.

“We should therefore brace ourselves to receive asylum seekers from far and near per the UNHCR principle of non-refoulememt”.

UNCHR, in the refugee management space, serves as the lead agency in partnership with the Ghana Refugee Board, with the GIS playing significant roles together with other allied agencies such as Ghana Police Service, National Investigation Bureau (NIB), NADMO, and the CSOs.

But the management of migration, according to the Bono Region GIS commander, DCI Afari, is a core mandate of the Service, the reason why their operations have become visible at all stages of the refugee management value-chain. 

He further said their duties in the management of refugees commence from “the point of admission into Ghana, distinguishing asylum seekers from the regular travelers to the refugee status determination and finally the durable solutions stage in respect of voluntary repatriation, local reintegration and resettlement”.

It is based on these critical roles, the commander said, that the capacity building for the sector officers is important to equip them with the requisite knowledge and provisions required for the effective refugee administration.

He, therefore, urged the officers to take advantage of the learning opportunity so they can provide legitimate human-centered services while ensuring the protection of the rights of asylum seekers.

He further urged the officers to approach their duties with the needed ethical values of integrity, equity, fairness, professionalism and be gender-sensitive to the unusual needs of the refugees.

The Bono Regional Commander of the Service, DCI Eric Afari, expressed his appreciation to the UNHCR and the Ghana Refugee Board for organizing capacity-building training to aid their roles in refugee management in Ghana. 

The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has revealed that its patrol team prevented nine Ghanaians from exiting the country to Burkina Faso, through unapproved routes.

In a press release signed by Inspector Ibn Yussif Duranah Abdul-Mumin Seidu, GIS said the culprits, four males and five females, were informed about the Presidential directive on closure of land borders, aimed at combating Covid-19 and educated them on the dangers of using unapproved routes to and from Ghana.

Also, 11 Burkinababes and a female Malian, who were coming into Ghana through unapproved routes were refused entry into the country.

“The Ghana Immigration Service is determined to police the Upper West borders without let or hindrance. We call on the people of the Upper West Region to collaborate with state security agencies in the fight against the menace of irregular migration. Anyone who stands in our way in the fight against irregular migration shall be crushed.”

Meanwhile, to combat illegal migration, the Upper West Regional Commander, Chief Superintendent Peter William Andoh, through the Comptroller General, has developed strategic measures to suppress the menace.

“The vision of the Regional Commander is to make undocumented migration unattractive,” parts of the statement read.

The Ministry of Interior has called on persons interested in being recruited into security agencies to desist from sending their applications to the Ministry.

According to the Ministry, it does not receive applications on behalf of the security agencies as many applicants presume.

This comes after some Ghanaians thronged the Ministry’s premises to submit their applications following advertisements in the media for recruitment by the Ghana Police Service, the Ghana Immigration Service, the Ghana Prisons Service and the Ghana National Fire Service on August 21, 2021.

“The Ministry of the Interior wishes to inform the general public, especially, potential applicants into the security services, that applications are online and should be processed as directed in the adverts. Applicants should be wary that the Ministry of the Interior does not receive applications on behalf of its Agencies,” a press statement signed by the Chief Director, Adelaide Anno-Kumi read.

The Ministry reiterated that the government is committed to recruiting eligible 11,000 Ghanaians into the various security services as part of its commitment to enhancing security.

This they say will also address unemployment challenges in the country so that the youth of this country can be gainfully employed.

They also urged applicants to be cautious of scammers who ask for money to help them with the recruitment process.

“The Ministry will also like to assure the general public that the recruitment will be based on merit. The Ministry urges prospective applicants who wish to be recruited into the respective institutions should wait for updates and necessary information on the next steps. The Ministry of the Interior wishes the prospective youth all the best of luck,” parts of the statement read.

Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) officers from the Wli Afegame Border Post, on Friday, September 3, intercepted 104 compressed parcels of leaves suspected to be Indian hemp.

The parcels, which were intercepted at Gbi-Godenu in the Hohoe Municipality were being transported on a “SANYA” branded black motorbike which had no number plate.

Deputy Superintendent Odoi Jeffery Nii Laryea, Commander of the Border Post, who spoke to the Ghana News Agency said the suspect upon identifying the officers, abandoned the goods and fled into the nearby bush.

He said the officers were on an assignment when they spotted the rider of the motorbike.

The parcels have “G3” and “G5” inscriptions on them whilst the sack in which they were packed had “O K” written on it.

Same officers in July 2021, intercepted 607 parcels of suspected Indian hemp heading to Togo at Wli Todzi which also had inscriptions.

The Commander said looking at the packaging of the earlier parcels and the current one, it was believed to be coming from the Gbi-Godenu area but meant for different recipients.

He advised the public to desist from carrying or dealing in narcotics and illegal substances.

A Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) sticker found on the motorbike revealed the registration number as M-20-VR 4076.

The motorbike and the parcels were handed over to the Narcotic Control Commission for further investigations.

The Ghana Immigration Service has busted some 21 foreign nationals for entering into the country illegally.

In a press release signed by Inspector Ibn Yussif Duranah Abdul-Mumin Seidu, the Service stated that the nationals were arrested on Friday, September 3, at bout 7:30 am.

There were 19 Malians, one Guinean and one Nigerian who were on board a bus on the Wa-Accra highway.

“Onboard a Yutong bus with registration number GE 852 Z, the migrants were journeying to Kumasi and Accra respectively. Our preliminary investigation revealed that the migrants entered Ghana through unapproved routes.”

“The purpose for their migration included family visits, education and commercial,” parts of the statement read.

The migrants, the Immigration Service revealed comprised of 13 females and eight males between the ages of 19 and 54.

“They were screened at the Port Health authority before being handed over to the Burkina Faso authorities on the other side of the border,” the Service stated.

The Immigration Service added that they are focused, better positioned and determined to fight the menace of irregular migration, especially since the country is still battling Covid-19.

“So long as it remains a crime, we’re very determined to fight it. While the service appreciates the collaboration by the good people of the UWR in the performance of our legitimate duty, we call on the few unrepentant persons to get ready for us. They may run but they can not hide.”

The Comptroller-General of Immigration (CGI), Kwame Asuah Takyi, has charged all 18 Regional Commanders of the Ghana Immigration Service to embrace the gender equity and equal opportunities policy it is currently adopting.

He charged them to implement them at their respective jurisdictions subsequently. 

The CGI, in a statement, read on his behalf by the Deputy Comptroller-General, in charge of Finance and Administration, Isaac Owusu Mensah said, the adoption of a new policy to mainstream gender matters was as a result of an in-depth assessment of the Service’s accountability framework.

This was identified as a lacuna during an analysis of the organisational structure hence, the need to restructure the system to respond to current needs.

DCG/F&A Owusu Mensah said this during the opening ceremony of a three-day Regional Commanders sensitisation workshop and consultative interactions on gender mainstreaming policy, GIS code of conduct and a contingency plan for health pandemic, mass influx and counter-terrorism, currently underway at Aburi in the Eastern Region. 

The event, which is designed to increase the awareness level of the Regional Commanders and seek their inputs and exchange of ideas in drafting and developing new policies for the GIS, is based on current trends and internationally accepted standards and being organized in conjunction with International Centre for Migration and Policy Development (ICMPD) and the European Union.

The Deputy Comptroller-General urged all participating Commanders to give out their best during the period and ensure that Officers and Men under them imbibe the new policies.

On his part, the Project Manager for Strengthening Border Security (SBS)-Ghana, Marcos Bordigñon, expressed his contentment on the objectives of the workshop and reiterated the support of the European Union and the ICMPD towards the progress of the GIS and the SBS Project.

He recognised and appreciated the critical role the Service is playing in the protection of the country’s borders and expressed the need for issues concerning gender management, to be critically examined and addressed.

This workshop comes after the first gender sensitization which was organized for the top Management Members of the GIS in co-operation with the ICMPD and The Ark Foundation Ghana as the resource institution.

Head of Public Affairs at the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS), Amoako Atta, says more personnel have been deployed to man illegal routes from Ivory Coast and other Ebola-infected countries into Ghana as part of measures to combat the importation of the virus.

In collaboration with the Ghana Health Service (GHS), the move comes on the back of reports that the country’s western neighbour, Cote d’Ivoire, has on Sunday, August 15, recorded its first case of the deadly disease.

“We are going to heighten the public health surveillance across our borders, especially the western border where we have Cote d’Ivoire and then countries where we have discovered the virus,” he said.

Therefore, officers of the Immigration Service are under strict instructions to repatriate on sight persons using an unapproved route from Cote d’Ivoire into Ghana.

“Currently, the border is closed. So we have to make sure that the necessary checks are done for those who can enter legally and make sure that illegal entries are prevented and checked.

“So we are currently in collaboration with the Immigration Service to ensure that these things are sorted out.”

The measures come on the back of the assurances by the Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, Dr Patrick Kumah-Abogye, that the government is beefing up surveillance systems at the various ports of entry at the borders to avert an outbreak of Ebola or the Marburg Virus.

However, Mr Amoako Atta, who was speaking to JoyNews’ Kwesi Parker-Wilson, is optimistic the mechanisms put in place will assist the country to realize its fight against the importation of a new virus.

“I don’t think we should be worried; I don’t think we should panic. We think we have things under control.”

“With Ebola, let me say, we are already prepared for any such eventuality, and because we are not taking Covid lightly, the measure are there now will suffice for any fear of Ebola coming in.”

Officials of the Ghana Immigration Service caught on camera in an exposé demanding monies to allow illegal entry into the country have made appearances before a committee set up to probe the matter.

A JoyNews investigation uncovered how these officials illegally collect monies from travellers to allow entry into the country through unapproved routes near the Aflao border.

This is in spite of President Akufo Addo’s announcement of a closure of land borders to limit the spread of Covid-19.

In a piece by Kwetey Nartey, the said officers were filmed on camera receiving various sums of money from the travellers on these routes.

Head of Public Affairs Unit of the Ghana Immigration Service, Supt Michael Amoako-Attah assures any officer found culpable will be made to face the appropriate sanctions.

“We are investigating and we have to get the details as presented in the video for the committee to work on it, and then maybe invite the person seen in the video, and question, as we speak, that’s currently going on,” he explained.

He added that no office will be shielded, adding that they will make the findings public as soon as it is ready.

“Due process should be followed for us as a security institution, we’re not just run to punish somebody when the full facts of the case have not been looked into and then try to pinpoint the person who is going foul of the law, so that is what is, is being done,” he added.

The Honuta command of the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has intercepted 1,550 parcels of Indian hemp, also known as cannabis, at the Klave border enclave.

According to the Commanding Officer of the GIS at the Honuta Border, Superintendent Bernard Kojo Nketiah, the consignment was timely intercepted by a team of patrol officers upon receiving intelligence.

Information on the ground operations at the said location, indicated that the driver and his accomplices, upon sensing danger due to the arrival of the patrol team, abandoned the contraband goods, including a Toyota Mini Bus, with vehicle registration number GG 2314-20.

The Commander disclosed that a thorough search through the bush and the crime scene by himself and the men, revealed 19 big sacks. Subsequent investigation by the GIS, Police, Customs Division, Narcotics Control Board (NACOB), and the National Intelligence Bureau, revealed that it contained 1,550 parcels of ‘Indian hemp’.

A Ghanaian Voter Identification Card bearing the name, Ganuvo Kwaku, Drivers license, Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) certificate, and  GRA Income Tax documents were found at the crime scene.

The confiscated contraband goods have since been handed over to the Head of NACOB in the District, Rodger Vanderpuije, in the presence of the District Chief Executive for further investigation.

The Command is also in the process of handing over the vehicle involved to the appropriate authority for onward investigation.

The Regional Command is cautioning those who engage in such criminal activities to desist from the practice since the law will take its course when they are apprehended.

Addressing the Press at the Honuta border, the Volta Regional Commander of the GIS, Deputy Commissioner of Immigration, Peter Claver Nantuo (Esq), commended the Officer In-charge and the team, for a great show of professionalism, high excellence, and integrity in foiling the illegal operations of the cross border syndicates.

He used the moment to thank the sister security agencies for their respective efforts and effective collaboration to actualise a common objective.

He thanked the District Chief Executive for Ho West, Hon. Apau Ernest Victor, the chiefs, and the entire community for rendering their support to the operations of the security agencies, and encouraged all to abide by the Covid-19 protocols

Officers of the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) at the Wli Afegame Border have intercepted 607 parcels of suspected Indian hemp at Wli Todzi.

The parcels, which were in oval and square shapes were intercepted after a tip-off.

Assistant Superintendent Odoi Jeffery Nii Laryea, Commander, GIS Wli Afegame Border Post in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) disclosed that the parcels including a set of diapers were found in a green Toyota Hiace with registration number GN 5733-18.

He said officers were on patrol on Sunday when they received a call at about 2115 hours from a source that a vehicle they suspected was carrying contraband goods.

The Commander said they had reinforcements and proceeded to the scene at about 2230 hours.

He said the officers opened and checked the vehicle in, which they found the parcels. The Commander noted that they also informed the chief of the town of the operations.

The parcels have inscriptions on them including “Boss”, “JK”, “SH”, and “3.” The Toyota Hiace vehicle was travelling from Ghana to Togo using the Wli Todzi route when it was intercepted.

The Commander said no information was known about the occupants of the vehicle since they were at large.

The Assistant Superintendent urged the public to avoid acts of dealing in dangerous substances adding that anybody caught with such would face the laws.

The parcels were counted in the presence of officers of the Ghana Armed Forces, National Intelligence Bureau (NIB), Ghana Police Service and Ghana Immigration Service (GIS).

The Wli Border GIS about four months ago intercepted 164 parcels of narcotics around Gbledi.

A vehicle inspection report from the intercepted vehicle dated 26/09/2019 and sighted by the Ghana News Agency had one Samuel Asempah as the owner.

In a related incident, the Honuta Command of the Ghana Immigration Service on Friday, at about 1150 hours, intercepted 1,550 parcels of suspected dried leaves in the semblance of cannabis at the Klave border enclave.

According to Assistant Inspector, Mr Felix Klu-Adjei, Volta Regional Public Relations Officer of GIS who briefed the Ghana News Agency, Superintendent (Supt), Mr Bernard Kojo Nketiah, the Commanding officer of the Service at the Honuta Border, and his men made the arrest of the consignments upon intelligence.

He said the driver and his accomplices upon sensing danger in the arrival of the Patrol Team abandoned the contraband goods including a Toyota Mini Bus with a vehicle registration number, GG 2314-20.

A joint patrol team made of Immigration, Customs, Police, and Military officials has intercepted 741 slabs of suspected Indian hemp along the Ghana-Togo border in separate operations.

About 1,339 slabs were intercepted in a Toyota Mini Bus with a vehicle registration number, GG 2314-20 in the Klave border enclave in the Ho Central Municipality on Friday, while 608 slabs were found at Wli Todzi in a GN 5733 – 18 registered Toyota Hiace in the Hohoe Municipality on Sunday. 

The suspected Indian hemp was being transported to neighbouring Togo when luck eluded the culprits, who absconded upon sensing danger. 

The contrabands which have inscriptions on them, including “Boss”, “JK”, “SH”, and “3”, have since been handed over to the Narcotics Control Board for further investigation. 

The Volta Regional Commander of the Immigration Service, Deputy Commissioner of Immigration (DCI), Peter Claver Nantuo, Peter Clava Nantuo, called for stronger collaboration between the border security agencies to combat cross-border crimes.

He detailed that his officers would let relent in their efforts in ensuring contraband goods are not smuggled in or out of the country. 

“If they will not stop that notorious activity and think that will because of survival and will want to give you and I sleepless nights, we carry the battle to their battlefield, and they will lose”, he cautioned. 

 The Honuta Command of the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has intercepted 1,550 parcels of suspected India hemp at the Klave border enclave.

The Assistant Inspector, Felix Klu-Adjei, Volta Regional Public Relations Officer of GIS, said Superintendent (Supt), Bernard Kojo Nketiah, the Commanding officer of the Service at the Honuta Border and his men made the arrest of the consignments upon intelligence.

He said the driver and his accomplices, on the arrival of the Patrol Team, abandoned the goods and a Toyota Mini Bus with registration number GG 2314-20.

He said a search in the bush, revealed some 19 big sacks, which subsequent investigation by the Ghana Immigration (GIS), Police, Customs Division, Narcotics Control Board (NACOB) and the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB), showed 1,550 compressed parcels of Indian hemp.

Mr Klu-Adjei said a Ghanaian Voter Identification Card bearing the name Ganuvo Kwaku, a driver’s license, GRA Certificate and GRA Income Tax documents were found at the crime scene at Klave.

Deputy Commissioner of Immigration (DCI), Mr Peter Claver Nantuo, the Volta Regional Commander of the Ghana Immigration Service, addressing the media, commended the Officer In-charge and the team for a great show of professionalism, high excellence and integrity in foiling the illegal operations of the cross-border syndicates.

He thanked the sister security agencies for their respective efforts and effective collaboration to actualise a common objective.

He praised the District Chief Executive of Ho West, Mr Ernest Victor Apau, the Chiefs and the entire community for rendering their support to the operations of the security agencies.

The confiscated parcels were handed over to the Head of the Narcotics Control Board (NACOB) in the District, Mr Rodger Vanderpuije, in the presence of the District Chief Executive, for further investigation.

The Command is also in the process of handing over the said vehicle to the appropriate authority for onward investigation.

The Regional Command cautioned those who engage in such criminal activities to desist from them.

Officers from the Leklebi Dafor Command of the Ghana Immigration Service and residents of the community have held a clean-up exercise to keep the community tidy.

The exercise saw the road leading to a Ghana-Togo Border from Leklebi Kame cleared off weeds.

Immigration Control Officer (ICO) Murphy Kwame Kudiabor, Public Relations Officer of the Command, said the road leading to the border was bushy, which led to reptiles worrying people, who ply the stretch, including Officers working at the border and, therefore, demanded an action which they took.

He also said the exercise was to cement the already good relationship that existed between the communities around the border and the officers.

“It is also to mark the birthday celebration of the Second in Command, DSI Reuben R. Aborabora, which made the exercise ending in singing, drumming and dancing.

The exercise drew officers from the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Plant Quarantine, Leklebi Kame and Kudzra communities.

Mr Jasper Bredjei-Badu, Regent Torgbui Atatsi IV, Chief of Leklebi Kame, commended the Service for organising the exercise.

He said it was one of the surest ways reptiles would not disturb community members and the people plying the border route and even at the border.

Togbe Ngorgbe, Warlord of Leklebi Kame, Mr Gideon Kwasi Atatsi, Elder, Leklebi Kame, Mama Hosi, Queenmother of Leklebi Kudzra and Mr Akpakpai Hededzi, Warlord of Leklebi Kudzra also took part in the cleanup exercise.

The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has made a massive shake-up of its top Senior Officers in a bid to strengthen its Operations in the Regional Commands and also to enhance its administration and human resource base.

The reshuffle which takes immediate effect affected 43 top senior officers made up of some Management Members, Schedule Officers and Regional Commanders.

The Head of Administration at the National Headquarters (NHQ), Deputy Commissioner of Immigration (DCOI) Maud Anima Quainoo has been moved to the Greater Accra Regional Command (GAR) as the Regional Commander, whiles Assistant Commissioner of Immigration (ACI), Samuel Basintale leaves the Accra Regional Command to the NHQ as Head of Administration.

The Head of the Human Resource Department (HRD), Assistant Commissioner of Immigration (ACI) Adowa Sika Ogunlana moves to head the Training Department, whiles ACI Michael Asare Bediako has been reassigned from the Training Department to be responsible for the Human Resource Department.

ACI Francis Palmdeti who until his posting was assigned to the Operations Department at the NHQ is now moving to the Ahafo Region as the Regional Commander.

According to the Comptroller-General of Immigration (CGI) Mr. Kwame Asuah Takyi, the changes are to strengthen some key Departments, Schedules, and also operations at the Regional Commands to tighten security at the borders and step-up enforcement operations.

In a similar vein, Head of the Document Fraud Expertise Centre (DFEC), ACI Kwabena Somuah Amponsah moves to the NHQ/Operations whiles ACI John Amon Ashie proceeds to the Operations Secretariat at the NHQ from the Intelligence Unit (Intel/ NHQ). ACI Johnson Ferkah moves from National Enforcement to Head the Kasoa Sector Command.

At the Regional Command level 18 ACIs have been posted to the Regional Commands as Deputy Regional Commanders to strength Immigration Operations and Command structure in the Regions.

They include the following; ACI Evelyn Asiedu Gyekye for the Greater Accra Region, ACI Mark Asamoah Boakye, ACI Francis Yaw Tachie, ACI Constant Boateng, ACI Ahmed Musah, ACI George Arthur, ACI Francis Banning, and ACI Noah Ahomkah Yeboah for Savanah, Northern, Ashanti, North East, Eastern, Upper East and the Volta Region respectively.

ACI Martin Dodzie and ACI Emmanuel Oteng have both been confirmed as Deputy Regional Commanders for the Tema and KIA Commands respectively, whiles ACI Justice Bosomtwi Ayensu moves to Ahafo Region as Deputy Regional Commander and ACI Seth Appianing, goes to the Eastern Region, Chief Superintendent (C/Supt.) Michael Brewu to Bono East, C/Supt. Abraham Nyabi to Western North and C/Supt. Isaac Akomaning leaves the Eastern Region to Oti as Deputy Regional Commander.

Four other senior officers were posted as Regional Operations Officers namely,ACI Isaac Morgan who goes to the Volta Region, Chief Superintendent (C/Supt.) Samuel Donkor to Ahafo, C/Supt. Henry Ackaah Duku to the Bono Regional Command and C/Supt Emmanuel Nyarkotey Mensah to the Ashanti Region.

ACI Godson Atobrah has been posted to the Processing Section as the OIC/Commonwealth (NHQ). C/Supt Philip Andoh leaves the Operations Secretariat at the NHQ to Head the Immigration Professional Standards and Ethics (IPSE) Section at the NHQ.

C/Supt. Clive Darkura has been assigned from the Eastern Region to Winneba as Officer in Charge whiles C/Supt Shadrack Azangweo has been elevated as 2IC/Human Resource (NHQ) and C/Supt Michael Asiedu Ampomah heads to the KIA Command as OIC/MIS from the NHQ.

The rest are C/Supt. Eunice Serwah Abeyie to  KIA, C/Supt. Hans B. Williams and C/Supt Gershon Dela Dovie to the Aflao Sector, C/Supt. David Ansah and C/Supt. Nicholas Alassani to the KIA Command, C/Supt. Yaw Sarkodie Addo goes to the Border Management Department (BMD/NHQ), C/Supt Seth Appiah Agyekum to Sekondi, C/Supt Johnson A. Benefo to Bole, Superintendent (Supt.) Christian McOwusu to the GAR and Assistant Superintendent of Immigration (ASI) Elvis Alakawen transferred to the Immigration Service Academy and Training School (ISATS).

Thirteen citizens of Burkina Faso who were part of foreign nationals arrested by the Upper East Regional Police Command for illegally entering into the country have been deported home.

Other 494 people believed to be Nigerians have been handed over to the Ghana Immigration Service to process and deport them, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), Mr David Fianko-Okyere, the Public Relations Officer, Regional Police Command, said this in an interview with the Ghana News Agency in Bolgatanga.

He said the Police Command in the region had implemented a new operation strategy which included; a 24-hour robust patrol on highways and swoops, especially in the Bolgatanga Township.

He said the operation led to the arrest of 507 foreigners in the Bolgatanga Municipality and its environs who were citizens of Burkina Faso and Nigeria.

According to him, apart from the intelligence of the police service, they also had information from the public about the influx of foreign nationals into their communities.

He said the residents attributed the rising crime in the region to alleged illegal activities of the foreigners and the swoop conducted by the police service and other security agencies led to the arrest of 507 people.

He said preliminary investigations by the Ghana Police Service indicated that those arrested stayed in the country without proper documents, but said the Ghana Immigration Service was in the process of processing all the foreigners before deporting them.

ASP Fianko-Okyere noted that due to the geographical location, the 13 people from Burkina had already been handed over to the appropriate authorities in that country,while the rest who are believed to be Nigerians have been transported to the Immigration headquarters in Accra, to be deported.

The PRO noted that apart from those arrested there were some Nigerians who voluntarily handed themselves over to the police service to be deported back to Nigeria and the Immigration Service was working on such people as well.

He explained that the implementation of the new operation strategy was to ensure that the region was safe with lives and property protected with COVID-19 directives respected.

He said an investigation was ongoing to ascertain the time of entry into the country and people found to have gone against the country’s laws would be dealt with accordingly and the data of all the foreigners arrested were documented by the Immigration Service and it would be easier to locate anyone in future who would be found to have committed any offense while he or she was residing in Ghana.

The PRO however appealed to residents especially landlords to always do diligent background checks on foreigners and provide information to the security agencies before renting rooms to them.

“We are saying that it would be appropriate to liaise with Ghana Police Service and Ghana Immigration Service to do background checks on them and have them on record and find out what they are doing,” he said.

He also appealed to people living along the border to cooperate with the security agencies and report any suspected movement of people into the country for investigation and action.

Volta Regional Commander of Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has said Persons from West African countries who flout border closures by entering Ghana’s jurisdiction illegally as saboteurs.

Peter Claver Nantuo mentioned that the Executive Instrument that underwrites the closure of the country’s borders had not been lifted for human traffic and would interpret its tenet viciously if the disregard continues.

Mr Nantuo made these pronouncements during a brief with the Ghana News Agency, when Servicemen intercepted some 34 nationals of neighbouring countries attempting to reach Accra through unapproved routes but were arrested at Asikuma inland port.

He said about 300 of such nationals including Nigerians, Togolese, Beninese, Burkinabes have been busted in batches between January and April 2021 and have since been repatriated to their various countries.

He disclosed that similar arrests and repatriation involving some 500 nationals were made along the Bolgatanga corridor and in the last week in the Volta Region alone, some 98 and 33 illegal immigrants were arrested and repatriated into their original countries.

He said the saboteurs have been arrested at Akuse, Asikuma, Sege, Somanya and Sogakope inland borders were developing the penchant to deliberately outwit Servicemen, but assures the public his men and women were resilient and up to the task.

He said their modus operandi was to search for greener pastures, visit families and mostly internet networking marketing, cyber-fraud with the connivance of ‘okada’ riders carting them through unapproved routes for a fee.

Mr Nantuo re-emphasised that as frontliners at the country’s entry and exit points “we shall not let down the structures of national security for convenience or benefits,” but exhibit professionalism associated with GIS.

He said the Service was collaborating with sister security agencies to police the borders and share intelligence, which he said was yielding dividends.

He said “stay away from our borders until opened,” reminding them that the sanctions of the E.I were punitive spanning four years and a fine of GHC120,000 or both.

“Tell your compatriots to refrain from these trends or face the rigours of law.”

The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) taskforce “Operation Motherland” and the enforcement team of the Volta Region have arrested 33 illegal foreign nationals of West Africa extraction at various joints of operations.

The Public Relations Officer, Volta Regional Immigration Command, Felix Klu-Adjei said that the task force under Chief Superintendent of Immigration, Leslie Martin, arrested some 19 illegal immigrants from Nigeria, at the Akuse inland border, who entered the country through unapproved routes.

He said the immigrants were arrested on board a VW bus with registration number GR 5314 21 on a Ho-Accra-bound transport.

He said the immigrants, who said they were visiting families and friends with some in search of ‘greener pastures’ have since been deported through the Aflao border to their country of origin after screening.

He disclosed that the enforcement team, on the other hand, led by Superintendent of Immigration, Evans Kuedzi, also arrested some 14 illegal Togolese from different parts of the Ho Municipal, who arrived in Ghana’s jurisdiction through unapproved routes to operate ‘network marketing’ schemes without valid authorisation to do business.

Mr Klu-Adjei said they are being profiled and would be handed over to Togo immigration officials after screening.

He said their intelligence system is well activated and warned Ghanaian collaborators of the use of unapproved routes to desist from such acts for only their benefit.

The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) search team in the Bono Region has arrested about 80 migrants who entered the Region through unapproved routes.

The Assistant Immigration Officer, Mr Enock Abrokwa Annorin, in charge of the Regional Command of the Ghana Immigration Service said the team made up of intelligent search engines came across the people suspected to be Togolese and from other Neighbouring African countries.

He confirmed with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) on Wednesday at Techiman that the people managed to enter the region even though all the borders in the country were closed as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

He said the Service would continue to go strictly by the state rules to deal with any group or individuals that use Ghana as their transit point to other neighbouring countries.

Mr Annor expressed worry about citizens of the neighbouring French speaking countries who mostly travel without valid travelling documents and due to that they always use unapproved routes which were totally against the travelling rules and ethics.

He disclosed that the GIS in collaboration with the Ghana Police Service (GPS) and other state securities arrested some group of persons this year who intended to use Ghana as their transit but have since been deported back to their respective countries.

Mr Annor called on migrants from neighbouring countries to secure legal travelling documents before arriving in the country Ghana, as the Ghana Immigration Service is very committed in securing the country’s borders, adding that the service was vigilant and would not hesitate to arrest and repatriate anyone found using illegal route into the country.

The Volta Regional Command of Ghana Immigration Service has intercepted a total of 151 ECOWAS nationals on the Aflao-Dzodze road in the Ketu North Municipal. 

The illegal immigrants who were arrested included 119 Nigerians, 22 Nigeriennes, 7 Beninnoise, and 3 Ivorians. 

They have, however, been handed over to security authorities in Togo following a bilateral agreement between the francophone country and Ghana. 

The interception came as a result of an effective collaboration between the Ketu North Municipal Assembly and the Akanu Sector Command of the Ghana Immigration Service to combat cross-border crimes. 

The Sector Commander, Assistant Commissioner (ACI) Felix Agyeman-Bosompem indicated that the collaboration saw the mounting of a checkpoint on the Dzodze-Aflao. 

This he said led to the interception of the illegal immigrants over a period of 10 days, adding that “the checkpoint has so far served a great purpose for which it was intended for barely two weeks after positioning it”. 

The Ghana Immigration Service has therefore sent out a warning to foreigners planning to use unapproved routes to the country to desist from these illegal practice as the borders remain closed to human traffic.

Two suspected recruitment scammers are in the grips of the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) in Tema for allegedly defrauding about 30 unsuspecting victims of more than GH¢250,000.

The suspects are 46-year-old Awuah Forson, and his 71-year-old accomplice, Ekow Hackman.

The issue came to light after one of the victims became alarmed when she realized that the person she allegedly paid the money to was not a staff of the Service.

The victim reached out to the Public Relations Officer for Immigration Academy and Training School, ASI Roland Aziz, who decided to follow up on the case.

He then planned with her on how she could meet the suspect and arranged for four officers from the Immigration Academy and Training School to travel with her for the meeting.

One of them pretended to be the victim’s brother who also wanted to enlist in the service.

The victim then called one of the suspects who agreed to meet her.

“I called Mr. Forson the next day and told him I was ready and wanted to come. Then he told me to alight at Winneba, when I got to Winneba, he then told me to come to Kasoa, when I got to Kasoa, he then told me to come to Accra, and when I finally reached Accra he said I should meet him at Community 8 where he picked me up and took me to a hotel.

“At the hotel I told him I had a brother who also wanted to join the Service. Then he told me to send my brother’s money to him, but the Immigration officer who was pretending to be my brother said if he hasn’t seen him [Mr. Forson] there was no way he was sending the money to him. So the next day, when Mr. Forson came for the money, he was grabbed by the officers,” she recounted.

Public Relations Officer for Tema Region, DSI Mercy Budu collaborated the story.

“I was contacted by my PR in Assin Fosu  Immigration Academy and Training school that there was a recruitment fraud syndicate that needed to be apprehended before we lose them. So I immediately contacted our operations department to follow up on the story and apprehend the man, which they did after a very dodgy tactic by the suspect.

“The operations department here with the collaborative efforts from four other officers from Assin Fosu , with the help of the Commandant ACI Alex Adu and our Regional Commander, ACI Kojo Oppong Yeboah, were able to apprehend the man and his accomplice who are currently in our custody.

Meanwhile, Head of Operations, Tema, ACI James Hayford Boadi has cautioned the public against engaging persons who claim to recruit applicants.

“I’m telling the general public, the Immigration Service does not sublet its recruitment exercise to either individual or group of persons. No. Every recruitment exercise is done by GIS and GIS alone under the Ministry of Interior. So we don’t sublet our recruitment process to civilians or men in uniform, no.

“My advice to the general public is that if you want your ward to be recruited into the Ghana Immigration Service, make sure you go through the right processes. Don’t pay money to any unscrupulous scammer.”

The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) have arrested one Awuah Forson, 46, and another, for allegedly defrauding about 30 young people on the pretext of securing for them placements in the service.

It is reported that Forson, together with one Ekow Harkman, 71, managed to defraud about 30 people to the tune of GH¢250,000.00 with the promise of recruitment into GIS.

Assistant Commissioner of Immigration (ACI), James Hayford Boadi, who is Officer-in-Charge of Operations at the Tema Regional Command, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency at Tema, cautioned job seekers of activities of recruitment scams.

He said “this is not the first time such an arrest has been made and certainly it will not be the last,” and warned young people seeking employment to be vigilant.

ACI Boadi said GIS does not sublet its recruitment process to either individuals or groups of individuals; “every recruitment exercise is done by the GIS alone under the supervision of the Ministry of the Interior”.

He advised those who wants to join the service to go through the proper process and not to pay money to anybody, because, at the end, they would not be recruited and they would also lose their money.

Deputy Superintendent of Immigration (DSI), Mercy Budu, who is the GIS Tema Regional Public Relations Officer, said a victim, name withheld, paid about GH¢10,000.00 to the suspect.

She said the victim afterwards went to the Immigration Training Academy at Assin Fosu to find out whether the said Forson was actually an employee of the service.

Ms Budu said the victim discovered that there was no one by that name and reliased that she had been defrauded, her reaction to the fact caught the attention of Assistant Superintendent of Immigration (ASI) Roland Abdul Aziz Issah, who then gave the information to the Tema Regional Command.

She said in a collaborative move by the immigration officers from Assin Fosu and the Tema Regional Command, Forson and Harkman were picked up at Community 8, Tema.

DSI Budu said some GIS officers posed as persons who are interested to recruitment into the service, and the suspects were arrested in that setup.

The Tema GIS Regional PRO advised persons to seek information directly from the GIS as there are officers in every district in Ghana.

She commended the Tema Regional Commander, ACI Kojo Oppong Yeboah and the Commandant of the GIS Training Academy at Assin Fosu, ACI Alex Adu for their oversight during the exercise.