ICMPD Ghana facilitates Joint Mobile Teams workshops for border security agencies

The International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) Ghana has successfully implemented two more trainings on the concept and practice of Joint Mobile Teams (JMT) for border security agencies in Elubo and Akanu in the Western and Volta Regions, as part of the Strengthening Border Security (SBS) Project in Ghana.

These workshops are part of a larger effort to develop, pilot, and validate the Concept and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the functioning of JMTs in Ghana. This is a novel strategy that ICMPD is proposing in the framework of the SBS project.

The workshops convened over seventy participants and national experts from various border management agencies, including the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS), Ghana Revenue Authority-Customs Division (GRA-CD), National Intelligence Bureau (NIB), Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) and the Ghana Police Service (GPS), to improve their ability to function effectively in tackling cross-border crimes, particularly migrant smuggling, human trafficking, and the threat of insecurity and terrorism.

Speaking about the relevance of the workshops, Ms. Iulia Jolley-Socea, Project Manager, of the Strengthening Border Security in Ghana Project said, “The development of Joint Mobile Teams (JMT) is a crucial strategy to improve coordination among key border management agencies in Ghana”.

She added “By bringing together the expertise and resources of multiple security agencies, JMTs enable the agencies to confront border challenges with agility, effectiveness, and unity of purpose through coordinated patrols, intelligence-sharing, and rapid response capabilities. This empowers them to proactively address threats at the earliest opportunity, safeguarding Ghana’s borders and communities.”

Mr. Tony Mihaitoaia, Border Management Specialist at ICMPD, stated "Joint mobile teams promote interagency cooperation and build trust among participating stakeholders. This collaborative approach fosters a shared understanding of common goals and challenges, facilitating smoother operations and communication." He added, "Mobile teams can also leverage community engagement in border areas to gather valuable intelligence and build strong relationships with local stakeholders."

In Elubo and Akanu, participants were introduced to the JMT Concept and SOPs, which provide a framework for joint operations, information sharing, and collaborative efforts in securing Ghana's borders. The facilitation team also shared valuable insights into key topics such as human rights in border management, situational awareness, and identifying and addressing trafficking in human beings during JMT operations.

Additionally, they engaged in interactive scenario-based training and planning exercises as well as field simulation exercises, practicing complex border security scenarios in a hands-on and interactive manner to enhance their response skills and coordination. Two more such workshops were organized in 2022 and 2023 in the North of Ghana.

Through a constructive review process, the security personnel reflected on and assessed their performances, identified lessons learned, and provided feedback on the JMT SOPs. The border agencies gathered valuable insights and best practices and offered constructive suggestions for refining the JMT framework.

The SBS Project in Ghana is a joint initiative between ICMPD and GIS, funded by the European Union's Emergency Funding for Africa. This collaborative project seeks to enhance the capacity of Ghana's border security agencies, ensuring their long-term sustainability and adherence to human rights and the rule of law. By implementing initiatives such as the JMT piloting, the project showcases ICMPD's dedication to strengthening Ghana's border management.