Ghana Immigration Service Promises Smooth Christmas Travel
The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has assured travellers of enhanced security and expedited processing at all entry points this Christmas season. The assurance comes with the activation of new systems, increased surveillance, and the deployment of additional personnel to manage the expected influx of returning Ghanaians and visitors.
Comptroller-General of Immigration, Samuel Basintale Amadu, made the announcement on Tuesday, December 10, during a visit by the Immigration Service Council, led by Chairman Rev. Stephen Yenusom Wengam, to various immigration installations in Accra.
“This Christmas, we anticipate a large number of Ghanaians returning home,” Mr. Amadu stated. “We are installing new equipment, particularly to streamline the visa-on-arrival process and make it more user-friendly. Security will also be significantly heightened, with many intelligence officers operating in plain clothes at the airport and other entry points to ensure a safe and secure environment for everyone.”
The Council’s tour included the Kotoka International Airport, the Tema command, and the Greater Accra Regional command, providing members with firsthand insight into the GIS’s daily operations.
Despite ongoing instability in neighbouring countries, Mr. Amadu affirmed the safety of Ghana’s borders. He explained that the GIS has proactively deployed drones, constructed anti-ballistic cabins, and intensified patrols, especially in the northern regions, to counter potential threats stemming from the Sahel region.
“While there have been attacks occurring just a few kilometres beyond our borders, we have successfully prevented any spillover into Ghana,” he noted.
Mr. Amadu expressed his appreciation for the Council’s visit, stating it provided a clearer understanding of the logistical and infrastructural challenges faced by the Service. “I have consistently highlighted the need for adequate office and residential accommodation at every meeting since the Council’s inauguration. Today’s visit has allowed them to see the situation firsthand.” He added, “I am confident that the Council will now be better positioned to advocate for public and private support to address these constraints.”
Rev. Wengam echoed these sentiments, praising the dedication of GIS officers despite the difficult working conditions. He made a passionate appeal to the government, the private sector, faith-based organizations, and the general public to provide support to the Service.
“The Immigration Service is a national responsibility,” Rev. Wengam emphasized. “While businesses thrive on profit, those profits are vulnerable if our borders are insecure and conflict arises. We urgently need vehicles, motorbikes, and drones to effectively carry out our duties.”
He further highlighted the critical need for improved accommodation for officers. “In some areas, our personnel are forced to rent civilian housing, which compromises their safety and security.”
Rev. Wengam concluded by stating that the tour had been a humbling experience and had reinforced the Council’s commitment to securing the necessary resources for the GIS to become a leading immigration service in Africa and beyond. “Our eyes have been opened, and we are determined to provide the GIS with the tools and resources they need to succeed,” he said.
Image Source: MYJOYONLINE
