Aflao command tasks GIS to construct fence, patrol roads across borderline

The Aflao Sector Commander, C/Supt. Frederick Baah Duodu has appealed to the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) Council to expedite action for the commencement of some proposed boundary fence and patrol roads across the borderline.

C/Supt. Frederick Duodu explained that within the operational area of the Command existed a total of 20 unapproved routes designated as “beats”, 6, pillars”, 13, and the beach.

He noted that following the visit by the National Security Advisor to the President and a subsequent survey by the 48 Engineers Regiment, it was concluded that patrol roads/routes, a boundary fence and two additional pedestrian crossing points be constructed.

The project which is expected to facilitate patrol and compel travelers to use only the approved entry/exit point is yet to commence, thus, forcing personnel to risk their lives every day to prevent illegal entry into the country through these unapproved routes.

The Sector Commander recounted that in August 2019, a supervisor and a patrol commander were attacked at Beat 6 while another personnel on duty at the beach was also attacked and almost drowned in the sea in an attempt to prevent armed travelers entry into the country through these unapproved routes.

He decried the logistical constraints saying, till date, officers remained unarmed, without bullet proof vests and helmets to protect them from attacks and no adequate vehicles and motorbikes for effective monitoring and patrol on the porous borderline.

In spite of the numerous challenges, Mr. Duodu touted the Command’s significant successes including intercepting a total of 57 young ladies suspected of being trafficked to the Gulf and three men linked to the trafficking, and escorting them to the Headquarters for further investigations.

The Command had also seen an increase of 45 per cent in revenue generated from January to July 2019 amounting to GH¢490,802.50 through overstay penalty, penalty for illegal entry among others adding that as a result of the increasing threat of terrorism, cyber crime, and other cross border crimes, 106 foreigners had been refused entry for not meeting legal requirements.

C/Supt. Duodu made this known when Chairman of the GIS Council paid a working visit to the Aflao Command to inspect some of the unapproved routes to understand the situation on the ground.

The Chairman, GIS Council, Dr. Edward Prempeh commended the Command for their tremendous achievement and dedication to work and asked them to be vigilant at all times as they continued to defend Ghana and ensure security of the frontiers.

Dr. Prempeh noted that the Council recently had a meeting with the Minister of Interior, Ambrose Dery where pertinent issues regarding resourcing officers of the Service were discussed and hoped that there would soon be good results.

He encouraged the Command to take advantage of the inter-agency collaboration and a strong relationship with chiefs, opinion leaders and the border community to enhance the sharing of information and intelligence, a prerequisite for an effective border management strategy.

The Volta Regional Commander, GIS, DCI Peter Clavier Nantuo noted that the regional command was one of the commands to have chalked successes even under numerous challenges hence, appealed that the needs and challenges of the Command be met as soon as possible to protect the officers and the country as a whole.

DCI Peter Clavier Nantuo however advised the general public to adhere to simple instructions and be tolerant towards security personnel as “terrorism is real and just next door.”