An assessment of the Ghanaian border management and security system was conducted from 18-28 February 2020, in the framework of the "Strengthening Border Security in Ghana" project (SBS Ghana), funded by the European Union Emergency Trust Fund for Africa (EUTF) and implemented by ICMPD.
ICMPD experts in border management, IT technologies, customs duties and professional training held meetings with stakeholders of the main governmental institutions involved in integrated border management in the Republic of Ghana (Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Ministry of National Security, Ghana Immigration Service (GIS), Customs Division and National Police). Mr. Kwame Asuah Takyi, Comptroller-General of the GIS and representing the main project partner and beneficiary, highlighted the importance of improving the border management and security in Ghana, particularly focusing on reducing irregular migration and cross border crime.
During the assessment mission, the expert team visited the main Ghanaian border crossing points of Aflao and Kpoglu (border with Togo), Elubo (border with Cote d’Ivore), Paga (border with Burkina Faso), Tema Harbour and the Kotoka International Airport. Meetings were held with senior management as well as operational staff from various state institutions. In addition, the assessment team visited the Training Academy of the GIS in Assin Fossu. Particular focus was devoted to necessary IT solutions to enable information exchange and interconnection at both the intra- and inter-agency levels, strengthening capacities of state officials via tailor-made institutional and joint training and the purchase of necessary equipment for the effective consolidation of GIS duties, among other elements.
The findings of the mission will be collected in the assessment report, which will provide the background information and recommendations for subsequent project activities. The project is funded by the European Union Emergency Trust Fund for Africa (EUTF) and implemented by ICMPD, in close cooperation with the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS), until the end of 2023.