🇬🇭GhanaWest Africa
Ghana Immigration Service proposes SECOBOR initiative to enhance border security and officer welfare
via GhanaWeb2 min read
The Governing Council of the Ghana Immigration Service GIS is advocating for the launch of Operation Secure Our Borders SECOBOR, a public-private initiative aimed at mobilizing resources to address the needs of the GIS, including officer welfare and working conditions. This was announced by Rev. Stephen Yenusom Wengam, Chairman of the GIS Governing Council, during a briefing to President John Mahama at the Jubilee House. Rev. Wengam stated that weak border control exposes Ghana to smuggling, human trafficking, and illicit trade, threatening national security and public safety. He also noted that inadequate resources and logistical constraints erode government revenue and disrupt industries. He suggested that allowing the GIS to retain at least 80% of its internally generated funds IGF for five years could address challenges like lack of accommodation and vehicles. In 2025, the GIS generated GH¢546,042,386, retaining 40% GH¢218,416,954, with 25% allocated for the National Headquarters complex, leaving 15% for administrative and operational activities. The GIS is also prepared to lead an electronic visa system and prioritize the modernization of border control for a 24-hour economy, as only 12 of Ghana's 48 approved border crossing points are currently automated. President Mahama affirmed his government's support for retooling and modernizing the GIS, and the Minister of the Interior, Hon. Alhaji Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, highlighted the importance of improving officer welfare
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by GhanaWeb.
Private legal practitioner and activist, Oliver Barker-Vormawor, has stated that a constitutional review could be the most defining legacy of President John Dramani Mahama. In a post on his X page on Friday, June 12, 2026, Barker-Vormawor argued that the 1992 Constitution has clear limitations, noting that while it established the Fourth Republic, it has "entrenched elitism at every level and made illusory the promise of probity, accountability and transparency." He suggested that the ideals of the June 4th era and revolutionary governance have not been fully realized under the current constitutional framework. Barker-Vormawor believes Ghana still has an opportunity to build a more inclusive “social democracy” through constitutional reforms. An eight-member Constitutional Review Committee has already submitted its report, proposing an extension of the presidential term from four to five years, election of Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives, and the inclusion of traditional chiefs in local government structures. The committee also calls for an end to the hybrid relationship between the executive and the legislature and reforms to reduce partisan influence in the public sector.
Must ReadA new study by the Department of Political Science at the University of Ghana, titled “Undertones and Public Perception of Military Rule and Democracy in Ghana,” surveyed 6,719 people across all 16 regions. The findings indicate that while a majority of Ghanaians still value democratic governance, frustrations over economic hardship and corruption are leading some to consider military rule as an alternative. Professor Isaac Owusu Mensah, Head of the Department of Political Science, presented the findings, noting that 52.3% of respondents were satisfied with Ghana’s democracy, with 43.5% rating it as good and 10.3% as very good. A significant 92.3% correctly identified democracy as being grounded in the rule of law, human rights protection, and regular elections. However, 85.2% of respondents cited democracy’s inability to deliver economic development, particularly concerning unemployment and the rising cost of living, as Ghana’s biggest democratic challenge. Additionally, 75.5% felt democracy had failed to effectively tackle corruption. The study revealed that 34.5% of respondents would consider supporting military rule if democracy failed to improve economic conditions, and 28.1% due to unchecked corruption. Furthermore, 54.7% believed the military would be more effective in combating corruption, and 49.5% felt military leaders in the Sahel region were performing well. Despite this, focus group discussions showed many participants remained wary of military rule due to concer
Must ReadThe Government of Ghana is repatriating 327 Ghanaian nationals from Côte d'Ivoire following a mass demolition exercise in the Port Bouët Municipality in Abidjan. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, confirmed this on Friday, June 12, 2026. The demolition left the affected Ghanaians without homes or livelihoods. As of Thursday, June 11, 2026, 228 individuals had already been repatriated, with the remaining expected to return on Friday, June 12, 2026. The Ghanaian government provided free transport for the returnees and their belongings. Discussions are ongoing with Ivorian authorities regarding compensation for those affected by the demolition. Ghana's diplomatic mission in Abidjan is coordinating efforts to support the affected individuals, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed appreciation to Côte d'Ivoire for its cooperation.