Government to equip GIS to be extra vigilant at the borders
Government has introduce Anti-Human Trafficking Bill that seeks to strengthen operations of personnel of the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) at the country’s borders.
The Bill is to prosecute people, who attempt the facilitation, transportation and illegal entry of persons into Ghana through the use of fraudulent documents.
Alhaji Salifu Osman, Chief Director at the Ministry of the Interior, announced this at the closing session of an Enhancement Training for GIS officers at Asutuare Military Training Camp on Thursday.
The officers, made up of 150 men and 50 women, formed the seventh batch of the personnel, who participated in the two-month intensive training programme undertaken in collaboration with Ghana Armed Forces.
The training dubbed: “Confidence Building and Teamwork,” was to strengthen the capabilities of personnel to ensure border security, peace and tranquility.
Alhaji Osman said border security and management were some of government’s strategic security measures to promote free and secure movement of persons, goods and investments across borders in the spirit of regional integration.
“To this end, it is the priority of government to prevent illegal and irregular movement of persons, smuggling of goods and resources, trafficking of people and other cross-border offences,” he said.
He pledged government’s support to equip the GIS with the requisite tools, logistics and skills to effectively manage the country’s frontiers as Ghana faces serious security challenges due to the political disturbances in La Cote d’Ivoire.
Alhaji Osman called on the personnel to lead the crusade against smuggling of petroleum products and cocoa by exercising maximum restraint in dealing with activities along the borders.
Mr Eric Afari, Assistant Director of Immigration and Chief Coordinator of the programme, said it was important for the personnel to undertake periodic training to equip them to effectively manage broader issues and national security.
He expressed appreciation for the success of the programme and urged the personnel to demonstrate the initiative, alertness and high sense of discretion and judgment in the discharge of their duties.
Lieutenant Colonel Kofi Arthur, Commanding Officer of 64 Regiment of Ghana Armed Forces, congratulated the personnel for the discipline exhibited during the training and encouraged them to exhibit the skills acquired through commitment and dedication to their duties.
Officer Gertrude Annan, who was adjudged the overall best in terms of the training, commended the Commanding Officer and the instructors for their dedication and commitment during the training on behalf of her colleagues.
Source: GNA