According to the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS), the continuous effort to block illegal border crossing locations, known as "Beats and Pillars," is intended to maintain border security rather than to limit border people' ability to vote. With the assistance of sister security services, the GIS's Aflao Sector Command launched "Operation Close the Beats and Pillars" on Sunday, November 9, to stop travellers from entering the country through unauthorised crossing points. Noah Ahomka Yeboah, acting Volta Regional Commander of the GIS and Deputy Commissioner of Immigration (DCOI), calmed public concerns by stating that the primary objective of the security initiative was to prevent unauthorised travellers from entering the country, particularly as Ghana's important elections in December drew near.
He provided the assurance during a working visit to the GIS's Aflao Sector Command, where he praised the officers for their commitment and diligence in defending the nation's eastern border. Additionally, he urged them to keep working to improve the Service's reputation.
Given the impending 2024 presidential and parliamentary elections, it is critical to protect our borders from possible threats from terrorists and violent extremists.
Therefore, the purpose of this operation is to preserve the integrity of the country's boundaries rather than to limit the ability of border inhabitants to vote.
During the visit, the acting Regional Commander toured a few Beats and Pillars and urged the Border Security officers on guard duty to work together, be extremely vigilant, and give it their all in order to protect Ghana's territorial integrity.
DCOI Yeboah also spoke to some young people living in border communities, encouraging them to maintain their composure and work with the security forces to protect the nation's peace and security, particularly during election season, by providing information that could be used to stop criminal elements who might try to disrupt the peace.
He also paid visits to other security personnel, such as Aflao Customs Sector Commander Assistant Commissioner Joseph Allan, urging them to put Ghana's interests ahead of their own and work together.
"Remember that you are all working for Ghana, not any one security service," he reminded them.
The ongoing operation at the illegal crossing locations has resulted in a generally tranquil and serene security situation along the borders, according to GIS Aflao Sector Commander and Assistant Commissioner of Immigration (ACI) Frederick Baah Duodu.
The National Intelligence Bureau's Officer-in-Charge at the Aflao Border, Mr. Amos Asante, praised ACI Duodu for his proactive leadership and the several measures he had put in place to keep the Border region safe and secure.
In a subsequent interview with Ghana News Agency, Kudzo Normeshie, the Deputy Superintendent of Immigration Justice and the officer in charge of the Public Affairs Unit at GIS Aflao, stated that rumours that the borders had been closed were not accurate.
"We're only making sure that, when people pass through Beat 9 or the main border, and not the unapproved crossing points, goods on motorbikes and tricycles are directed to pass through the main border for appropriate search and inspection."
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