DEPUTY MINISTER CAUTIONS IMMIGRATION OFFICERS (Page 20)

Story: Joe Okyere, Assin Fosu

THE Deputy Minister of the Interior, Mr K.T. Hammond, has cautioned Immigration officers about the alarming public perception
of unethical behaviour among some officers of the service.
He advised them to desist from dishonest practices which tarnished the hard-earned reputation of the service and the country.
Addressing a passing-out parade for 237 recruits at the Ghana Immigration Service Training School at Assin Fosu, Mr Hammond advised them to offer only lawful assistance to the people, since any officer found to have compromised his position for personal gain would face the law.
He asked them to perform their duties with diligence and combat threats through strengthening the intelligence networks in the immigration system.
Mr Hammond also urged them to apply immigration rules fairly and rigorously, without offending the demands of ECOWAS integration and the implementation of globalisation.
He reminded them of the need to protect the country against the activities of criminals by being vigilant at the borders and to facilitate legitimate travels to maintain the confidence of Ghanaians in the security and integrity of the borders.
He said the government was committed to the ongoing border patrol programme in the service and equipping personnel with adequate resources, the requisite training and motivation to enable them to deal with modern migration trends.
The deputy minister said efforts were also being made to amend the Immigration Law to enable the personnel to carry arms to perform their duties effectively.
Jeffrey Tetteh was adjudged the Overall Best Recruit, while Nathaniel Adjoka Opata was adjudged the Best in Academics, with the Most Disciplined Recruit prize going to Angela Nova Gbade.
The Best in Physical Training prize went to Godfred Boakye Ameyaw, with Gladys Afi Hor being adjudged the Best in Drill (Female), while Frederick Brown Daniels was adjudged the Best in Drill (Male).