Immigration boss commends AFIC as 15th anniversary plenary opens in Accra

The Comptroller-General of Immigration (CGI), Mr. Samuel Basintale Amadu, has praised the Africa Frontex Intelligence Community (AFIC) for its instrumental role in advancing intelligence-led border management as Ghana hosts the 2025 AFIC Plenary Workshop in Accra to mark the organisation’s 15th anniversary.

The three-day workshop has brought together delegates from AFIC member states, representatives of the European Union and Frontex, Ghana’s national security agencies, and several international partners.

The participants will review emerging trends in migration management and cross-border crime across the sub-region.

CGI Basintale Amadu expressed Ghana’s appreciation to Frontex for its sustained technical support to African border authorities.

This support includes the establishment of Ghana’s Risk Analysis Cell (RAC), capacity-building in risk analysis, and the deployment of secure information-sharing platforms.

He noted that these investments have significantly enhanced Ghana’s analytical capacity and operational readiness at border points, positioning the country as an active contributor to regional security dialogue.

Referencing recent AFIC assessments, Mr. Basintale highlighted a decline in irregular migration along parts of the Western African route due to strengthened inland controls.

However, he cautioned that criminal networks continue to adapt, intensifying smuggling operations along other corridors in North and West Africa.

He also warned of increasing cases of document fraud, human trafficking, illicit commodity smuggling, and cyber-enabled recruitment targeting vulnerable populations.

“These complex, transnational threats demand coordinated, intelligence-driven responses,” he stressed, reaffirming Ghana’s commitment to strengthening regional security cooperation.

He added that the Ghana Immigration Service would continue enhancing its analytical capabilities and deepening cross-border intelligence collaboration through the RAC in Accra.

Frontex Executive Director, Hans Leytens, addressed participants via video, expressing optimism that the plenary’s deliberations would produce practical recommendations to boost joint risk analysis and operational collaboration among border security agencies.

Miss Anna Polak, Head of the Analysis Unit in the EIBM Intelligence Division at Frontex, also outlined key issues that will guide discussions throughout the meeting.

The Accra plenary, commemorating AFIC’s 15-year milestone, is dedicated to reflecting on the community’s achievements, assessing emerging security threats, and strengthening information-sharing channels among member states.

Delegates are expected to refine AFIC’s strategic direction and analytical products to better anticipate and respond to evolving border threats across Africa.

Established in 2010, AFIC continues to serve as a vital framework for intelligence and knowledge sharing between Frontex and African border authorities in addressing irregular migration, smuggling, trafficking, and other transnational crimes.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith