“You are one of the best Interior Ministers” – GIS Council Chair to Muntaka

The Chairman of the Governing Council of the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS), Rev. Stephen Wengam, has described the Minister for the Interior, Hon. Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, as one of the best Interior Ministers Ghana has ever had, praising his leadership and commitment to strengthening migration governance and border security.

Rev. Wengam made these remarks during a courtesy call by members of the GIS Governing Council on the Minister at his office in Accra.

He commended Hon. Muntaka for his dedication to building resilience within the Service and for ensuring transparency and fairness in the ongoing recruitment process.

According to the Council Chair, the Minister’s support has been evident in the provision of critical logistics, including 20 pickup vehicles to enhance the operational capacity of the Service, a move he said underscores government’s commitment to improving the effectiveness of GIS.

Rev. Wengam also announced that, in response to the Minister’s call for innovative and creative approaches to supporting the Council’s work, plans are underway to roll out a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) initiative known as the Secure Our Borders (SECOBOD) project.

The initiative is aimed at mobilising private sector support to help address key operational and security challenges confronting the Ghana Immigration Service.

The Council Chair further highlighted a number of critical issues requiring urgent attention.

These include concerns over promotions, the need for stronger institutional support to combat indiscipline and corruption, improvements in infrastructure, shortages of operational vehicles, the modernisation of border security systems, and the enhancement of officer welfare.

In his response, Hon. Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak expressed appreciation to the Council for its dedication and constructive engagement, assuring members of his unwavering support.

He urged officers of the Ghana Immigration Service to remain professional and patriotic, stressing the need to always put the interest of the nation first.

The Interior Minister reaffirmed government’s commitment to the vision of His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama to reset, retool and reform the Ghana Immigration Service.

He noted that the Council’s proposals and initiatives align with key government priorities, including plans to construct seven new regional offices as part of the President’s broader agenda to retool security services across the country.

Highlighting the strategic importance of immigration officers, Hon. Muntaka described them as the first point of contact at Ghana’s borders.

He revealed that while the country has 48 legitimate entry routes, there are over 200 illegitimate ones, underscoring the urgent need for a robust and comprehensive border monitoring system.

He further emphasised President Mahama’s strong interest in strengthening border surveillance and security infrastructure to safeguard the country and facilitate orderly migration.

The visit underscored ongoing efforts by government and the GIS Governing Council to modernise the Service, strengthen border security, and address longstanding operational and welfare challenges facing officers of the Ghana Immigration Service.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith