CGI, Mr. Kwame Asuah Takyi and his entourage being briefed on operational activities at Wharf 2 of the Takoradi Port by the Officer-In-Charge (OIC)
The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) is to establish a Marine Unit, the Comptroller-General of Immigration (CGI), Mr. Kwame Asuah Takyi has hinted.
According to him, the establishment of the unit would not only secure the maritime domain of Ghana but also contribute immensely to national security. He added that it would also improve on data collation on migrants at the seaports for the use of Ghana’s socio-economic advancement.
The CGI bemoaned how some fisher folks of neighbouring countries and other persons through the territorial waters of Ghana migrate into the country in a tacit, cunning and subtle manner escaping immigration checks. “This must be nipped in the bud as soon as possible”, he stressed.
Mr. Kwame Asuah Takyi said this while interacting with officers of the Takoradi Sector Command at the Takoradi Ports in the Western Region as part of his familiarization tour.
He indicated that the creation of the Marine Unit was crucial at giving a defined focus to migration management and that it would enhance the efficiency with which personnel of the Service manage migration activities at the seaports and maritime domain of the country.
He encouraged the personnel to continue the good works at securing the seaports and maritime domain of the country despite the logistical constraints and assured them of the provision of logistics and equipment to aid their work at the port. He also reiterated his commitment at enhancing the capability and capacity of officers through various training programmes including maritime training.
Mr. Kwame Asuah Takyi had earlier paid a courtesy call on the Director of Takoradi Port, Captain Ebenezer Afedzi and the Takoradi Area Manager of Tullow Oil, Mr. Joseph Klemesu.
In a related development a three-week Refresher Course and Promotional Examination (PROMEX) for Junior Officers of the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has started at its Training School (ISTS) in Assin Fosu.
A total of 110 Junior Officers due for promotion are expected to update their knowledge and skills in migration management, immigration law and paramilitary idiosyncrasies among others. The Junior Officers comprise 53 Senior Inspectors, 34 Inspectors and 23 Assistant Inspectors.
Addressing participants at the opening of the PROMEX, the immediate past Commanding Officer of the Immigration Service Training School (ISTS), Superintendent of Immigration, Felix Agyeman-Bosompem, urged the Service personnel to avail themselves to be imbued with modern-day techniques in border management and adhere to the tenets of their career in fulfilment of the mandate of the Service.
He admonished them to put into practice the knowledge they would acquire to enhance the peace and security the country was already enjoying. He encouraged them to be vigilant, tactful and exhibit high sense of professionalism in the discharge of their duties. “We cannot afford to let down our country men and women” he added.