The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has hosted a high-level European Union delegation led by the EU Special Representative for the Sahel, Mr João Cravinho, in a strategic engagement aimed at deepening cooperation on border security, migration management, and regional resilience across the Sahel and Coastal West Africa.
During the visit, Mr Cravinho praised Ghana’s proactive security measures, stating that the country “has been resilient to the risk of incursions from terrorists because of local initiatives.” He described Ghana as “safe but very vigilant,” highlighting the impressive coordination among the GIS Northern Regional Command, the Armed Forces, and civil society organisations in countering emerging threats.
The EU Special Representative, whose mandate covers coordination with all 27 EU Member States, stressed the importance of understanding ground realities in partner countries like Ghana to shape effective regional responses.
Comptroller-General of Immigration, Mr Samuel Basintale Amadu, expressed gratitude for the EU’s sustained technical and logistical support delivered through partners including the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM). However, he highlighted persistent challenges, particularly mobility constraints across Ghana’s vast northern frontiers and the complexities arising from deep cross-border ethnic and community ties.
ALSO READ:KENYA: NLC, NIA TO RESOLVE LOWER KUJA IRRIGATION PROJECT COMPENSATION DISPUTES
“Sometimes boundaries literally cut through houses,” Mr Amadu noted, explaining how criminals exploit shared chieftaincies and ethnic identities to evade detection.
Deputy Comptroller-General for Operations, Mr Laud Affrifah, elaborated on these ethnic dynamics and outlined GIS strategies, including the multi-agency Operation Conquered Fist, which maintains a strong physical presence along more than 500 kilometres of northern border. He called for expanded deployment of surveillance technology under the EU-funded European Union Security and Defence Initiative (EUSDI), rapid-response capabilities, and enhanced officer training — priorities that were showcased during the delegation’s visit to the GIS Immigration Tactical Training School.
EU Ambassador to Ghana, Mr Rune Skinnebach, commended the professionalism of the GIS and expressed satisfaction with the progress of the EUSDI programme, reaffirming the EU’s commitment to supporting Ghana’s efforts to maintain stability and secure its borders.
