By: Nana Achiaa Aboagye
The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has begun a campaign to enhance collaboration and efficiency in the management of activities on the country’s boundaries. This follows the launch of a newly published Code of Conduct and Reporting Mechanism for the Immigration Service in August this year.
The campaign comes with a triple “S” code: “Secure Borders, Stable Country, Safe People”.
This is meant to sensitize the public on the need to collaborate with border control officers to effectively secure the country’s borders.
The triple “S” Campaign, which is Secure Borders, Stable Country, Safe People, is to enhance the capacity of Ghana’s border control authorities, particularly personnel of the Ghana Immigration Service – GIS – to control and manage Ghana’s borders more efficiently, by providing up-to-date border management information and communication systems and ensuring the overall security of citizens and visitors.
Speaking at the launch, the Public Relations Officer of the GIS, Chief Superintendent Michael Amoako Atta reiterated that the initiative reflects government’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of integrity and professionalism among the border authorities.
He said changing trend in migration management and border security makes it imperative for the Ghana Immigration Service to step up its efforts in effectively protecting the territorial integrity of Ghana.
Adding that key among the Services resources in this all-important mission is its human resources.
He reiterated that a defective, unprofessional and uninspired workforce will create a big gap in our border security architecture and make our dear country very vulnerable.
He said it is in the light of this that the Comptroller-General of Immigration set up the Technical Working Group for the drafting of the Code of Conduct and Reporting Mechanism, also called the Code.
The Code was successfully launched on 10th August, 2023 as part of the Strengthening Border Security in Ghana (SBS Ghana) program.
He said the Officers continue to be trained and sensitized to uphold optimum professionalism, the public will be educated through this campaign to report unprofessional conducts from Officers.
He emphasized that among other things, the campaign will publicize an email address and call lines for complaints. Clients will also be empowered on what is required of Officers through the official social media platforms of the Service and signages here at the Headquarters.
The Officer In Charge of IPSE, ACI Philip Andoh entreated the media to consider itself a key partner in this drive by keeping the GIS on its toes.
The Deputy Comptroller-General In-charge of Finance and Administration of the GIS, Mr Owusu Mensah unveiled the code of conduct.
As an important institution of national security, the Ghana Immigration Service recognizes the importance of ensuring ethical behavior among its officers to maintain secure borders in an ever-changing world.
The “Secure Borders, Stable Country, Safe People” campaign embodies GIS’s vision to become a model Immigration Service for Migration Management and National Security and to provide a safer and more prosperous Ghana, where every citizen and resident can thrive.
GIS invites all Ghanaians, stakeholders, and the international community to join in this endeavor to create a more secure, stable, and safe Ghana for all.
