GIS records major gains in first year under CGI Samuel Basintale Amadu

The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has recorded significant operational and institutional gains within one year under the leadership of Comptroller-General of Immigration (CGI), Samuel Basintale Amadu, following his appointment in March 2025.

According to the Deputy Commissioner of Immigration in charge of the Public Affairs Department, Maud Anima Quainoo, the Service’s transformation agenda has focused on strengthening border security, enhancing operational efficiency, and modernising systems to improve service delivery.

She noted that the CGI’s mandate, following his vetting by the Public Services Commission, has been centred on safeguarding Ghana’s territorial integrity, promoting intelligence-led operations, deepening inter-agency collaboration, and dismantling transnational criminal networks, particularly those involved in smuggling and human trafficking.

Maud Anima Quainoo disclosed that the GIS generated over GH¢546 million in revenue within the past year, driven largely by reforms in visa and permit processing systems.

A total of 186,959 permits and visas were issued, representing a 32.5 percent increase compared to the previous year.

She attributed the growth to ongoing investments in digital infrastructure and automation, which have reduced processing times and improved transparency.

Additionally, the Service successfully managed over 2.8 million passenger movements across Ghana’s entry points without major incidents, contributing to the success of national initiatives such as the “December in Ghana” tourism campaign.

On enforcement, the Deputy Commissioner highlighted major successes in combating smuggling and illegal activities through coordinated operations involving various GIS departments.

She revealed that the Service intercepted significant quantities of contraband, including 1,401 bags and jerrycans of smuggled cocoa beans, 1,398 packs of Tramadol, 88 parcels of suspected Indian hemp, 725 rounds of ammunition, and other illicit goods.

In addition, 909 individuals were intercepted at various entry points, while a nationwide enforcement exercise involving 7,204 facility inspections led to the arrest of 3,533 persons for immigration-related offences.

Maud Anima Quainoo further stated that the GIS has enhanced its intelligence and legal operations, processing 666 intelligence requests in collaboration with partner agencies — a 3.9 percent increase from the previous year.

The Service prosecuted 29 cases and secured 28 convictions, including offences related to illegal entry, fraud schemes such as QNET operations, and cybercrime.

Meanwhile, the Document Fraud Expertise Centre examined 932 suspected cases, with 35.2 percent confirmed as fraudulent.

The Deputy Commissioner emphasised the Service’s commitment to human capital development, noting that over 970 officers received specialised training both locally and internationally in areas such as counter-terrorism, crisis management, and border security.

She added that the GIS, in collaboration with the Youth Employment Agency and the National Ambulance Service, trained Community-based Medical First Responders (CMFRs) in three cohorts during 2025.

Further initiatives included a Trainer of Trainers programme in partnership with the European Union Security and Defence Initiative, as well as specialised unarmed combat (Krav Maga) training to enhance officer safety following recent attacks on personnel.

Infrastructure Development and International Cooperation

Maud Anima Quainoo indicated that the Service has embarked on infrastructure expansion projects in key locations, including Tema, Kumasi, Tamale, Sunyani, Cape Coast, Sekondi-Takoradi, and Damango, aimed at improving operational efficiency and decentralisation.

On the international front, she said the GIS has strengthened partnerships with organisations such as the International Organization for Migration, and engaged with delegations from the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Centre, as well as immigration authorities from Rwanda, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone.

Looking ahead, the Deputy Commissioner disclosed that the Service is advancing reforms under “Project SECOBOR” (Secure Our Borders), a public-private partnership initiative designed to address gaps in logistics, surveillance, and infrastructure.

Additional measures under consideration include the establishment of a private mutual health insurance scheme and a staff endowment fund to enhance welfare and institutional sustainability.

She stressed that the progress made over the past year has repositioned the Ghana Immigration Service as a more responsive, technology-driven, and intelligence-led institution.

“While challenges remain within the evolving global security landscape, the gains achieved under CGI Samuel Basintale Amadu provide a solid foundation for the future,” Maud Anima Quainoo stated.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith