The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has commenced an ambitious infrastructure expansion project, with seven modern regional headquarters under construction to strengthen border security and operational efficiency.
The regions benefiting from the first phase of the expansion programme are Sunyani, Kumasi, Tamale, Damongo, Ho, Tema and Takoradi.
The Comptroller-General of Immigration, Samuel Basintale Amadu, who disclosed this during an engagement with officers of the Bono Regional Command in Sunyani on Tuesday said the facilities would not only provide office space but also improve working conditions and restore dignity to the service.
“For a start, we are undertaking seven regional headquarters projects simultaneously. By this time next year, all seven regions will have fully furnished, modern office complexes,” he stated.
Inadequate infrastructure
Mr Amadu said lack of adequate infrastructure over the years had not matched the rapid growth in personnel, which increased from about 4,500 officers in 2017 to about 18,500 currently.
He described the situation as a major operational setback, stressing that effective border administration required functional and well-equipped regional commands.
“In all the 16 regions, we do not have a single befitting regional headquarters.
This is unacceptable, and that is why infrastructure development is a top priority,” he emphasised.
Mr Amadu said his other key reforms and priorities were logistics enhancement, staff welfare and training, which aimed at repositioning the service to meet evolving national security demands.
On logistics, he acknowledged the severe constraints facing commands, citing the Bono Region as an example where operations were being carried out with only one functional pickup vehicle.
Security threats
Mr Amadu explained that although the service had recently received about 20 Nissan Navara pickups, priority had been given to the stations in northern borders due to emerging security threats, particularly along Ghana’s northern frontiers.
He assured the Bono Command of efforts to improve its logistical capacity.
On staff welfare, the Comptroller-General reiterated his commitment to improving the living conditions of officers, explaining that welfare remained central to productivity and service delivery.
Mr Amadu revealed plans to establish a GIS mutual health insurance scheme to provide comprehensive healthcare coverage for officers and their dependants to reduce the financial burden associated with medical care.
He underscored the need for the GIS to adopt a sustainable system that guaranteed access to healthcare for all personnel.
Mr Amadu also highlighted ongoing efforts to regularise the payment of rent allowances through mechanisation, ensuring that officers received their entitlements consistently alongside their salaries.
Commitment
The Bono Regional Commander of the GIS, Deputy Superintendent of Immigration (DSI) Eric Quartey, reaffirmed its commitment to securing the region’s borders despite persistent logistical challenges.
He assured that officers in the region remained resolute in executing their mandate with discipline and professionalism, regardless of the constraints they faced.
“Notwithstanding the logistical challenges, we will continue to discharge our duties with the highest level of professionalism in safeguarding the nation’s borders,” he emphasised.
