President John Dramani Mahama has called on the newly appointed heads of key security institutions to lead transformative initiatives aimed at improving efficiency, security, and digitalization in their respective agencies.
Speaking at a formal event at the Presidency in Accra, President Mahama officially announced the appointment of Mr. Samuel Basentale Amadu as Acting Comptroller-General of the Ghana Immigration Service and Deputy Chief Fire Officer (DCFO) Daniella Mawusi Ntow-Sarpong as Acting Chief Fire Officer of the Ghana National Fire Service. The appointments are pending approval by the Governing Councils of their respective institutions.
The ceremony also marked the swearing-in of Deputy Director General of Prisons (DDGP) Patience Baffoe-Bonnie as the new Director-General of the Ghana Prison Service, an appointment made in consultation with the Council of State.
In his address, President Mahama stressed the urgent need for digital transformation within the Ghana Immigration Service. He tasked Mr. Amadu with expediting the digitalization of visa processing, permit issuance, and border monitoring systems to enhance efficiency and strengthen national security.
“I charge you to intensify intelligence operations and work closely with other law enforcement agencies to dismantle human smuggling networks,” the President stated.
He further emphasized the importance of modernizing surveillance at all entry and exit points, ensuring Ghana remains well-protected from illegal activities, including transnational crimes such as drug trafficking.
President Mahama reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to equipping the security services with the necessary resources to execute their mandates effectively. He urged officers across the Ghana Immigration Service, the Ghana Prison Service, and the Ghana National Fire Service to support their new leadership in the collective mission of safeguarding the nation.
“You are the backbone of our nation’s security, the guardians who stand firm in the face of danger. Your dedication keeps our people safe, our borders secure, and our communities protected,” he noted.
The President also took the opportunity to commend the outgoing security heads—Mr. Isaac Kofi Egyir (Prisons Service), Mr. Julius A. Kuunuor (Fire Service), and Mr. Kwame Asuah Takyi (Immigration Service)—for their dedication and leadership. He expressed gratitude for their service and wished them success in their future endeavors.
Concluding his address, President Mahama urged the newly appointed security chiefs to lead with integrity, professionalism, and a commitment to national security.
“The task ahead is great, but so is the opportunity to lead with purpose. Ghana counts on you, and you have my full support in this mission,” he declared.
With these new appointments, the government aims to enhance security operations, improve inter-agency collaboration, and modernize key security institutions to meet the evolving challenges of national and border security.
