The government would do everything to protect Ghana’s borders from criminal activities, the Deputy Minister for the Interior, Naana Eyiah has said.
She said protecting the country’s borders from transnational crimes such as the smuggling of small arms and light weapons, migrants and improper migration was critical to the government.
She said the measures put in place to protect the borders were not meant to prevent lawful entry into the country, adding that the actions were to promote lawful entry and exit, facilitate trade and national sovereignty.
She said this at the launch of the capacity programme to strengthen the northern borders of Ghana on the theme “Strengthening the Northern Borders of Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, and Togo” in Accra.
She disclosed that the government had introduced Migration Information and Data Analysis System (MIDAS), a border management information system solution to help digitise migration data of the country for effective monitoring of entry and exit into the country.
She said the introduction of the MIDAS, improvement of border patrol equipment, and training of the security officials would enhance their capacity to protect the borders.
She commended the US Government for providing funding to improve border security along Ghana’s northern frontiers.
On her part, the USA Ambassador to Ghana, Her Excellency, Stephanie S. Sullivan, said transnational organised crime knows no border and that is why Ghana must adapt and strengthen its borders and cooperate with regional partners to ensure the safety of her citizenry.
She assured of the USA continued support to protect Ghana’s borders.
ISD