16 immigration service officers interdicted

Sixteen personnel of the Ghana Immigration Service(GIS) have been interdicted for committing various offences.

The Director of the GIS, Dr.Peter Wiredu, who announced this, said his administration would not tolerate any form of indiscipline among personnel of the service.

He was speaking at a meeting in Cape Coast with Immigration officers in the Central Region on Thursday as part of a familiarisation visit.

Dr.Wiredu who was appointed some two months ago, said indiscipline should not be allowed to creep into the service and wondered why an officer should hold his cap while in town instead of wearing it.

He cautioned those engaging in corrupt practices to desist from that practice since they would be severely dealt with when caught.

He said it was necessary for all personnel to eschew any form of corruption to protect the image of the service.

Dr.Wiredu charged the officers to accept transfers, explaining that transfers should not be seen as punishments.

“You should see postings as part of development, we are not going to tolerate people who refuse transfers” he cautioned.

Touching on their conditions of service, he noted that it had not been the best but the service could now negotiate with Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) for improved service conditions.

He further expressed his commitment to build the capacity of personnel through re-fresher courses and a revision in the study leave policy of the GIS.

The personnel complained about lack of accommodation and office space, which the Director General assured would be addressed.

Touching on the accommodation situation, he explained that only 10 percent of personnel in the service had been catered for and said the service deserved a better deal.