Ghana Immigration Service opens 3-day seminar on public sector contract management for legal officers

The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS), under the auspices of the Ministry of the Interior, has commenced a three-day seminar aimed at strengthening the legal capacity of its in-house lawyers in public sector contract management.

The seminar, which opened on Monday, brings together legal officers from across the Service to deepen their knowledge and skills in contract negotiation, drafting, and management — a vital area in modern public administration.

Delivering the keynote address at the opening ceremony, Chief Director, Ministry of the Interior, Doreen Panyin Annan described the initiative as “timely and strategic,” given the increasing complexity of legal agreements and procurement processes in the public sector.

“The Ghana Immigration Service plays a crucial role in safeguarding our borders, regulating migration, and contributing to national security. To achieve this mandate effectively, its legal officers must be well-prepared to navigate the evolving landscape of public sector contracts,” she added.

She lauded the leadership of GIS for proactively investing in legal capacity-building, adding that poorly drafted contracts can expose institutions to serious financial losses, legal disputes, and reputational damage.

“On the other hand, well-structured and carefully negotiated contracts safeguard the state’s interests, ensure value for money, and uphold institutional credibility,heshe said.

Participants are expected to engage with seasoned resource persons drawn from key state institutions and private legal practice over the course of the seminar.

The aim is to expose GIS lawyers to real-world perspectives, case studies, and best practices in public contract management.

The programme reflects the Interior Ministry’s broader commitment to institutional efficiency, legal compliance, and transparent governance across its agencies.

Officials expressed hope that the seminar will not only benefit GIS but also serve as a model for similar training programmes across the security and public service sectors.

“This is more than just a legal training,” she stressed.

“It is about safeguarding the public interest and building a stronger foundation for national development.”

On her part, Solicitor-General of Ghana Helen A. A. Ziwu, Solicitor-General, Office Of The Attorney-General And Ministry Of Justice called on legal officers within the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) to play a more strategic role in protecting public funds and ensuring institutional accountability through proper contract management.

She stressed that public contracts are no longer mere administrative formalities but critical instruments of governance, national security, and public trust.

Themed "Enhancing Expertise in Public Contract Management," the training seeks to build the capacity of GIS lawyers in key areas such as contract negotiation, legal compliance, public procurement law, risk mitigation, and alternative dispute resolution (ADR).

“A poorly drafted contract is often the seed of future disputes,” she said, adding that public sector lawyers must not only understand the law but also be proactive in shaping contracts that are clear, enforceable, and protective of the public interest.

She commended the GIS leadership and facilitators for organizing the programme, describing it as a timely and strategic investment in legal capacity and institutional integrity.

The Solicitor-General emphasized that lawyers in public service must act as “guardians of legality, prudence, and value-for-money.”

Drawing attention to Ghana’s procurement and financial regulations, she reminded participants that non-compliance with laws such as the Public Procurement Act and the Public Financial Management Act could render contracts void and expose institutions to legal and financial risks.

“Every clause, every deliverable, and every disbursement must align with existing legal frameworks,” she said. “Compliance is not optional—it is foundational.”

She further urged GIS lawyers to prioritize risk identification and management in all contract-related engagements and to embrace ADR mechanisms to avoid costly litigation.

"We cannot eliminate all risk, but we must manage it properly. Insert ADR clauses where appropriate, especially in complex commercial arrangements,” she advised.

The Solicitor-General also welcomed the assurance by the acting Comptroller-General of Immigration, Mr. Samuel Basintale Amadu, that GIS would continue to refer contracts and agreements to the Office of the Attorney-General for legal review, in accordance with the law.

The training programme will cover five thematic areas:

Legal and Financial Compliance in Public Sector Contracts

Contract Drafting and Negotiation Techniques

Public Procurement Law and Related Regulations

Risk Assessment and Mitigation in Contracting

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Mechanisms

The Solicitor-General encouraged participants to actively engage in discussions, share experiences, and return to their roles equipped with practical skills and deeper confidence.

"This is not just theory—it’s about real issues you face every day. What you take away from here should help you become better advisers, stronger negotiators, and more effective protectors of the public purse,” she said.

She assured GIS of the continued support of the Office of the Attorney-General in building legal capacity across public institutions, and praised the initiative as a model for other security agencies and departments.

Taking his turn, Comptroller-General of the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS), Samuel Basintale, commended the Ministry of the Interior and the Office of the Attorney-General for their continuous support towards strengthening the Service.

He gave the commendation at the opening ceremony of a three-day capacity-building workshop for the Legal Directorate of GIS on Monday.

According to him, since assuming office in March, he has witnessed firsthand the keen interest of the Minister for the Interior in the affairs of the Service, adding that much of the Ministry’s support has been channeled through the Chief Director.

“We are not taking the support we are getting for granted. On behalf of the entire Service, I want to express our profound appreciation to the Minister, the Chief Director, and the Attorney General’s Department for always standing by us — from laying bills, assisting with legal drafts, to responding to urgent calls at odd hours,” Mr. Basintale said.

He further explained that the GIS was increasingly confronted with complex legal issues ranging from land disputes to contract negotiations.

This, he noted, made it necessary to build the capacity of the Service’s legal team to ensure efficiency, prevent costly litigations, and strengthen the delivery of its mandate.

“This workshop is a curtain-raiser for the operationalization of our new training center. We are starting with the Legal Directorate because everything we do as a Service has its foundation in the law. Once we get it right legally, all other things will fall in place,” he stressed.

Mr. Basintale also praised the Legal Directorate, led by Philip and his team, for initiating the idea for the training and assured them of management’s full support.

He hinted that similar programs would soon be rolled out for the Operations Directorate, Administration, and later the regional and sector commands.

“With this facility, we no longer have to depend on expensive hotels for training programs. The center is of high standard and will host at least four more courses before the year ends. Officers and men must therefore take this course seriously, because it will directly impact their work across the Service,” he added.

The Comptroller-General urged participants to engage actively and share candid feedback to improve subsequent programs.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith