During a courtesy call paid to the Minister for the Interior, Hon. Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, at his office in Accra, key stakeholders outlined a strategic roadmap aimed at aligning the Service with the Government's broader security agenda. The engagement focused on addressing logistical deficits, tackling indiscipline, and implementing new public-private partnerships to fortify Ghana’s borders.
Leadership and Governance Commended
The tone of the meeting was set by the Chairman of the Governing Council, Rev. Steve Wengam, who offered significant praise for the current leadership at the Ministry. Describing Hon. Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak as "one of the best Interior Ministers Ghana has ever had," Rev. Wengam cited the Minister's dedication to advancing migration governance and his efforts to build resilience within the Service.Read Also: WhatsApp Adds Paid Discovery for Businesses — Channel Subscriptions, Promoted Channels & Ads in Status
A focal point of the Council's appreciation was the Minister's oversight of the ongoing recruitment process. The Chairman emphasized the Minister’s role in ensuring the process remains fair and transparent. Furthermore, the provision of 20 pickup vehicles was highlighted as a tangible demonstration of the Government’s commitment to equipping the Service with necessary resources.
The SECOBOD Project and Strategic Challenges
Responding to the Ministry's call for creative support mechanisms, the Council announced the forthcoming implementation of a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) initiative titled the Secure Our Borders (SECOBOD) project. This initiative is designed to generate alternative support for the GIS to help tackle various operational challenges.Despite the progress made, the Council presented a frank assessment of the hurdles currently facing the Service. Key issues brought to the Minister's attention included:
- Operational Deficits: Shortages of vehicles and the need for infrastructure improvements.
- Human Resources: Matters regarding officer promotions and welfare.
- Institutional Integrity: The urgent need for support in combating indiscipline and corruption within the ranks.
- Modernization: The necessity of upgrading border security systems.
The "Reset, Retool, and Reform" Agenda
In his response, Hon. Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak commended the Council for their proactive approach and assured them of unwavering support. He urged GIS officers to prioritize the national interest, acting as the first point of contact for the country.The Minister aligned the Council’s efforts with the vision of His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama to "reset, retool, and reform" the Ghana Immigration Service. As part of this retooling agenda, the Minister noted plans for the construction of seven new regional offices to bolster the security infrastructure.
Hon. Muntaka also underscored the gravity of the border security challenge, providing specific data to illustrate the scope of the task. He pointed out that while Ghana possesses 48 legitimate entry routes, there are over 200 illegitimate ones. He emphasized the President's passion for establishing a robust monitoring system across all borders to effectively manage these porous entry points.
The meeting concluded with a mutual consensus on the need to accelerate modernization efforts and strengthen the Service to meet the evolving demands of national security.
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