Minister warns immigration officers against favouritism at Kotoka International Airport

The Minister of Interior, Henry Quartey has warned immigration staff at Kotoka International Airport against favouritism, urging them not to escort their relatives and associates through security checkpoints. 

He addressed the Ghana Immigration Service in Accra on April 4, 2024, emphasizing that such actions compromise travel procedures and could lead to disciplinary measures.

Mr. Quartey stressed the seriousness of assisting family and friends through immigration processes, especially when off-duty or stationed outside Accra. He cautioned that personnel engaging in this behaviour, including carrying luggage for others, risk being arrested as accomplices if contraband items are found.

During his visit to the GIS headquarters, Mr. Quartey familiarized himself with the service's operations ahead of the upcoming general elections, urging staff to remain impartial and professional, focusing on national interests rather than partisan politics.

Acknowledging challenges faced by the Service, particularly in logistics and accommodation, Mr. Quartey assured personnel of the government's commitment to addressing these issues realistically. He highlighted the importance of retooling the Service for effective border security, trade facilitation, and national development.

The Comptroller-General of Immigration, Kwame Asuah Takyi, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the Service's readiness to protect Ghana's borders but requesting further support for retooling efforts and creating additional checkpoints to combat irregular migration through illegal routes.