The Ghana Immigration Service has recorded significant operational and institutional progress one year after the appointment of its Comptroller-General, Samuel Basintale Amadu, in March 2025.
His appointment by John Dramani Mahama ushered in a reform-driven agenda focused on strengthening border security, improving operational efficiency, and modernising immigration systems.
According to the Service, the Comptroller-General was tasked with enhancing intelligence-led operations, deepening inter-agency collaboration, dismantling transnational criminal networks, and accelerating the digitalisation of visa and permit processes.
revenue and operational growth
Within a year, the Service generated over GH¢546 million in revenue, largely driven by reforms in visa and permit processing.
A total of 186,959 permits and visas were issued, representing a 32.5 per cent increase compared to the previous year. The growth has been attributed to digital upgrades, automation, and streamlined processes that have reduced turnaround times and improved transparency.
The Service also facilitated more than 2.8 million passenger movements across Ghana’s entry points without major incidents, supporting national initiatives such as the “December in Ghana” tourism drive.
intensified border security efforts
Strengthening border control has remained a key priority. Coordinated operations led to the interception of various smuggled and illegal items, including cocoa beans, narcotics, ammunition, and other contraband.
Among the seizures were 1,401 bags and jerrycans of smuggled cocoa beans, 1,398 packs of Tramadol, 88 parcels of suspected Indian hemp, and 725 cartridges of ammunition.
Additionally, 909 individuals—both Ghanaians and foreign nationals—were intercepted at entry points and checkpoints. Out of 7,204 inspections conducted nationwide, 3,533 individuals were arrested for immigration-related offences.
improved intelligence and enforcement
The Service processed 666 intelligence requests in collaboration with partner agencies, while 29 cases were prosecuted, resulting in 28 convictions.
Offences handled included illegal entry, fraud, QNET-related scams, and cybercrime, with court-ordered repatriations carried out where necessary.
The Document Fraud Expertise Centre also reviewed 932 suspected cases, with 35.2 per cent confirmed as fraudulent—underscoring both the scale of document fraud and improved detection capacity.
capacity building and partnerships
Under Mr Amadu’s leadership, more than 970 officers have undergone specialised training locally and internationally in areas such as counter-terrorism, crisis management, and border security.
The Service also partnered with the Youth Employment Agency and the National Ambulance Service to train Community-based Medical First Responders.
International collaborations have also been strengthened, including partnerships with the International Organization for Migration and the European Union Security and Defence Initiative, supporting capacity-building programmes such as Train-the-Trainer initiatives.
infrastructure expansion and international cooperation
The Service has embarked on infrastructure development projects across key locations including Tema, Kumasi, Tamale, Cape Coast, Sunyani, Sekondi-Takoradi, and Damongo, aimed at improving operational efficiency and decentralisation.
On the international front, it has deepened cooperation with immigration agencies in countries such as Rwanda, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone, promoting knowledge exchange and regional security collaboration.
Overall, the Ghana Immigration Service says the gains recorded within the past year reflect a strategic push toward a more efficient, technology-driven, and security-focused institution.
Source: Wesleyannews.com
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