By Hannah Dadzie
The UK’s Department of Home Office International Operations (HOIO) has presented a range of search and safety items to the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) and the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) staff stationed at the Paga Border. This donation, valued at £9,000, included; Boxes of handcuffs, Handcuff holders, Gloves, Utility belts, Mag lite torches, Stanley torches, Pocket balances, Ladders, Container probes, a large Defender weighing scale, Peugeot Gerber cutter, Peugeot drill machine, Bosch inspection cameras and Digital cameras.
These items are expected to significantly enhance the detection of prohibited and restricted items encountered at the Border areas. They will enable GIS and NACOC personnel to efficiently access containers, packages, and suitcases, thereby improving operational effectiveness. The equipment is designed to be durable, with long shelf life, requiring only periodic battery replacements.
Handing over the items, International Liaison Manager of Home Office International Operations, Femi Akerele, said by working collaboratively, they can bring their expertise and assistance together to tackle organized crimes.
‘Fighting human trafficking and modern slavery, trafficking of illicit commodities including drugs, firearms, illicit cash, and their negative impacts on our countries are our shared priorities. We believe this donation will assist in fulfilling that mandate. HOIO looks forward to continuing to work with GIS and NACOC to address these crucial risks,” Mr Akerele indicated.
The donation was part of a visit by the Northern Ghana team of the British High Commission to the Upper East Region. The team led by Senior Counsellor and Northern Ghana Attaché Paul Edwards, paid a courtesy call on the new Upper East Regional Minister and engaged in discussions on security, development, and politics. This visit also provided an opportunity to strengthen relations with key stakeholders, including traditional and religious leaders, civil society organizations, and political parties, who will play a significant role in the 2024 elections in the region.
Speaking after the engagements, Northern Ghana Attache, Paul Edwards noted;
“I am glad my colleagues from the Department of Home Office International Operations and our election expert joined me and the Northern Ghana team on this visit to the Upper East, Northeast and Northern regions. I know the equipment we gave to the Ghana Immigration Service and NACOC was well received. I also understand how important it is for our staff to see the Northern regions for themselves.
“It’s clear to me that Ghana cannot reach its potential unless Northern Ghana does. Security, economic growth and development are intertwined and should be seen as different corners of the same triangle. It’s only by talking to people on the ground that you can get a real picture of the opportunities and risks present in the north,” Mr Edwards added.
The Department of Home Office International Operations (HOIO) collaborates with partners in Ghana, including the Ghana Immigration Service and Narcotics Control Commission, to combat organized immigration crime, human trafficking, modern-day slavery, and the trafficking of illicit commodities such as drugs, firearms, and illicit cash.
HOIO’s collaboration with these organizations includes providing training, logistics, office facilities, equipment, and information technology to ensure efficient and effective duty performance. Over the past year, this partnership has successfully disrupted numerous organized crime groups and seized significant quantities of illicit commodities.
