President Mahama backs immigration modernisation, hails 'Secure Our Border' initiative

President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening and modernising the Ghana Immigration Service, assuring its Governing Council of full support in addressing operational and logistical challenges facing the institution.

The assurance was given during a courtesy visit to the Presidency at Jubilee House by members of the GIS Governing Council, led by the Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak. The visit served as an opportunity to formally introduce the newly constituted Council, brief the President on ongoing governance reforms, and seek strategic guidance on the Service’s future direction.

During the engagement, President Mahama praised the Ghana Immigration Service for its critical role in safeguarding the country’s borders, describing it as the “first point of entry into Ghana” and a key institution representing national sovereignty and security.

He commended the Council for launching Project SECOBOR (Secure Our Borders), an initiative aimed at strengthening border security through collaboration between the public and private sectors. The project is designed to mobilise additional resources to enhance surveillance, infrastructure, and operational capacity at Ghana’s entry points.

“I assure you of government’s support to resolve your logistical challenges. We are working hard to improve your working conditions so you can deliver on your mandate,” the President stated, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to improving the welfare and efficiency of security personnel.

The Interior Minister, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, outlined ongoing reforms under the Ministry’s policy direction, noting that seven new Regional Immigration Offices are currently under construction across the country. He explained that the expansion is aimed at decentralising immigration services, improving accessibility for citizens, and strengthening border monitoring and control systems nationwide.

He also reiterated the Ministry’s focus on policy leadership, enhanced resource mobilisation, and the development of stronger institutional frameworks to support the Ghana Immigration Service in fulfilling its mandate effectively.

Chairman of the Governing Council, Rev. Stephen Wengam, used the opportunity to appeal for presidential backing for Project SECOBOR, stressing that the initiative is central to improving the Service’s operational capacity and addressing persistent resource constraints.

He emphasised that strategic partnerships with private sector actors would be key to ensuring sustainable improvements in border management and national security.

President Mahama congratulated both the Interior Minister and the Governing Council for their efforts, describing their work as commendable. He assured them of continued government support aimed at ensuring that the Ghana Immigration Service is well-equipped to perform its duties effectively in a rapidly changing security environment.