The CGI decorating the valiant officer with his new rank
Four immigration officers who rescued three of their colleagues from assailants in Bawku in the Upper East Region have been honoured by the service for their act of bravery and heroism.
On April 3, 2023, three officers of the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) were attacked by unknown armed persons in Bawku after firing their vehicles several times leading to the death of Philip Mortey.
But for the timely intervention of four of their colleagues, the other two would have also lost their lives.
Following this act of bravado, and professionalism described by the Comptroller General of the GIS Kwame Asuah Takyi, these officers have been promoted in their respective ranks at a decoration ceremony held yesterday at the headquarters of the GIS in Accra.
Chief Supt Michael Brewu has been promoted to the rank of Assistant Commissioner, Assistant Inspector Harry Quartey to the rank of an Inspector; Immigration Control Officer Wisdom Elorm Addo is now an Assistant Inspector.
Assistant Immigration Control Officer II Emmanuel Forson is now Assistant Immigration Control Officer I.
Apart from the promotions, all the four officers were awarded with plaques of honour with accompanying citations in recognition of their heroic work and professionalism in saving their colleagues.
Speaking at the ceremony, Comptroller General of GIS, Kwame Asuah Takyi said the officers needed to be commended given the danger the conflict in Bawku poses to security personnel and residents in the municipality. These notwithstanding, he said the officers brave the dangers to save their colleagues.
He said “what they did depicts the act of bravery, selflessness and epitomises the character which all security personnel should hold, and teaches that we must not turn our backs to our colleagues in any form when help is most needed.
“Promoting today’s heroes is a sure way of encouraging more brave acts in the future. With the approval of the Governing Council, and the management of the service, we are promoting these brave and gallant men to their next ranks as a matter of honour to them and the way of encouraging selfless service in the face of danger in future,” he said.
He also thanked the security agencies, particularly the Ghana Police Service, Ghana Armed Forces, and National Ambulance Service for the role they played at the time of the incident.
Mrs. Adelaide Anno-Kumi, Chief Director of the Ministry of the Interior, on behalf of the sector minister, commended the men for their act of valour and bravery in rescuing their men from the armed attack.
She also commended the GIS for honouring and recognising the heroic actions of its officers as she quoted the adage, “A nation that does not honour its heroes is not worth dying for.”
By Ebenezer K. Amponsah