The Ghana Immigration Service is seeking new funding flexibility and private sector collaboration as part of efforts to address operational challenges and strengthen border control systems across the country.
During a high-level engagement at the Jubilee House, the Governing Council of the Service outlined proposals including a Public-Private Partnership initiative known as “Operation Secure Our Borders” (SECOBOR), aimed at improving logistics, infrastructure, and officer welfare.
Chairman of the Council, Stephen Yenusom Wengam, indicated that persistent resource constraints continue to limit the Service’s ability to effectively combat cross-border crimes such as human trafficking, smuggling, and illicit trade.
As part of the reform proposals, the Council is advocating for the Service to retain up to 80 percent of its Internally Generated Funds (IGF) over a five-year period to support its operations. Currently, despite generating over GH¢546 million in 2025, the Service retains only a fraction of that amount, leaving limited funds for daily activities.
The Council also highlighted gaps in border automation, noting that only a small number of Ghana’s approved entry points are equipped with modern systems, which hampers efficiency and security.
To address this, the Service is planning to introduce an electronic visa system to streamline entry processes and support broader economic initiatives, including a 24-hour economy.
President John Dramani Mahama, who received the delegation, assured government’s commitment to modernising the Service and improving working conditions for personnel.
He emphasised ongoing efforts to resolve logistical challenges and strengthen the operational capacity of the GIS.
Meanwhile, the Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, pointed to infrastructure expansion as part of the broader strategy, revealing that new regional offices are under construction to improve service delivery nationwide.
The proposed reforms and SECOBOR initiative are expected to play a key role in repositioning the Immigration Service to better respond to evolving security threats while enhancing efficiency at Ghana’s borders.
