GPHA security heads must bow their heads in shame – Security analyst reacts clash between GPHA and GIS officers

A security, intelligence, and conflict analyst, Anthony Acquaye, has faulted the Heads of Security of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) for the clash between its officers and officers of the Ghana Immigration Service.

In a statement cited by GhanaWeb, Acquaye indicated that the clash, which has gone viral on social media, was the result of the unprofessional conduct of officers of GPHA.

He said that even if the official of the immigration service had done something wrong, the situation could have been handled better.

“Inasmuch as there is territorial supremacy among the two security establishments in this context, where the GPHA security seems to have jurisdictional supremacy over the immigration officers, it does not warrant the GPHA security officers to exhibit such unprofessional behaviour.

“At best, the heads of both establishments could have cooperatively handled this unfortunate event in a very professional manner, where the head of GPHA security could have invited the said immigration officers in question through their commanding officer at the port,” he wrote.

The analyst also pointed out that the clash was a threat to Ghana’s security architecture because it would likely affect information sharing.

“This phenomenon aside, it threatens intelligence gathering and sharing among these two establishments, will also deepen the mistrust among the personnel of both establishments, and also exposes how both operate in a parallel approach, which is not good for the country.”

The video of the clash, which was shared by MyNewsGh.com, showed a heated misunderstanding between the GPHA officials and officials of the immigration service which escalated into a violent clash.

According to a news report by MyNewsGh.com, 12 GPHA security personnel forcibly entered the GIS office at MPS to detain two officers following a dispute over a routine vessel inspection on the MSC DYMPHNA.

The report indicated that the GPHA security team insisted on searching the officers after they completed their duties on the vessel.

However, Inspector Benjamin Nketia objected, allowing the search of their bags but refusing the personal search of the officers, asserting that male personnel should not search female officers under any circumstances.

This refusal was met with hostility from GPHA Security, leading to an exchange of insults and physical harassment.

Subsequent to the vessel incident, the GPHA security officers proceeded to the GIS office to arrest the officers in question for their non-compliance with the search request.

Their attempt was met with staunch resistance from the GIS officers, resulting in turmoil between the two entities and the destruction of AICO II Boadu's uniform.



BAI/ ADG

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