The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has opened its five-day Regional Commanders’ Conference in Accra with a renewed call for stronger collaboration, professionalism and leadership to enhance border security and position the Service to respond effectively to emerging security threats.
Held under the theme, “Strengthening Command Synergy for Sustainable Growth,” the conference has brought together regional and sector commanders, senior management, members of the Ghana Immigration Service Council and other stakeholders to deliberate on strategies to improve operational efficiency, institutional discipline and service delivery.
Delivering the welcome address at the opening ceremony on Monday, July 6, Comptroller-General of Immigration Samuel Basintale Amadu asserted that effective border management could only be achieved through stronger coordination among commanders.
“In today’s dynamic security landscape, no command can operate effectively in isolation. Sustainable growth within the Ghana Immigration Service can only be achieved through strong collaboration, effective communication, mutual support, and a shared sense of purpose amongst all commands and controls,” he said.
He urged commanders to use the conference to openly discuss operational challenges and develop practical solutions that would strengthen institutional capacity, professionalism and the Service’s transformation agenda.
In a speech read on his behalf, the Chairman of the Ghana Immigration Service Council, Rev. Stephen Y. Wengam, reaffirmed his council’s commitment to strengthening the institution through policy reforms, improved welfare and enhanced operational capacity.
He also highlighted recent reforms approved by the Council, including plans to establish an Agricultural Department, elevate the Border Management Department into a directorate, introduce a staff endowment fund, roll out a mutual health insurance scheme for officers and implement transfer guidelines.
The Council Chairman further noted the recent launch of the GIS e-Visa system as part of efforts aimed at strengthening the service.
“The Regional Commanders’ Conference is far more than an institutional tradition. It is a strategic and reflective platform through which we assess our achievements, interrogate prevailing challenges and collectively chart a purposeful course for the future,” the statement said.
Opening the conference, Interior Minister Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka reiterated the government’s commitment to retooling the Ghana Immigration Service, hinting at significant investments to improve infrastructure, logistics and working conditions for personnel.
He announced that the government was in the process of procuring about 20 armoured vehicles for difficult operational areas, while eight regional office projects were progressing simultaneously across the country.
He also disclosed that 45 prefabricated accommodation units for officers in the five northern regions were nearing completion, with construction of a new GIS headquarters expected to accelerate after contractual challenges were resolved.
“Strong command synergy is essential for operational success, institutional discipline, accountability, and sustainable growth. Effective coordination between Headquarters, Regional Commands, Sector Commands and all operational units is fundamental to achieving the strategic objectives of the Service,” Mr Muntaka said.
The minister urged commanders to continue promoting professionalism, integrity, discipline and teamwork, noting that their leadership would play a crucial role in strengthening Ghana’s broader national security architecture.
The conference will feature presentations on servant leadership, command and control, strategic management, finance, disciplinary procedures and 360-degree leadership, with participants expected to develop actionable recommendations to improve the operational effectiveness and long-term growth of the Ghana Immigration Service.
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