Recruitment Into GIS Remains Frozen

Kwesi Ahwoi, Interior Minister

Kwesi Ahwoi, Interior Minister



The Minister of Interior, Kwesi Ahwoi has disclosed that recruitment into the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has been stopped until further notice.

The exercise can only take place after a thorough staff development programme has been undertaken by the service.

The decision, the Minister said, was taken due to under-utilization of personnel of the service.

Mr Ahwoi, who disclosed this at the opening of a three-day Regional Commanders’ Conference in Accra, said postings and transfers do not seem to have been scientifically analyzed and done to ensure that key regions, sectors, districts and border posts have adequate staff numbers with appropriate rank permutations so as to ensure effective command and control at all times.

‘It has been observed that deployment of staff has been lop-sided and certain areas appear to be over-staffed whilst other places are under-staffed,’ he said.

Mr. Ahwoi said the critical shortfalls compelled him to freeze new recruitment into the service last year.

‘Jobs, we must create, but should not we add to the over-burdening problem of ‘single spine salary management’ by paying staff salaries for no work done. Indeed, all of you can testify to many of your colleagues who are taking salaries under false pretences. They simply have no work doing.’

Mr. Ahwoi said his outfit had directed the GIS leadership to overhaul all staff deployment in the service.

One of the major projects being undertaken by the GIS Board to change the operational fortunes of the service is the e-immigration project under which most of GIS permit/visa processes would be automated for expedited services, efficiency and strict financial accountability, he said.

‘It is hoped that when the installation processes are completed in the next five months, GIS operations at the major entry/exit points, namely the KIA, Aflao, Elubo, Paga, Takoradi and Tema Seaports, as well as the headquarters will see markedly improved levels of efficiency and financial transparency. This will substantially eliminate illegal financial gains for private benefit and increase IGF targets set for service,’ Mr. Ahwoi said.

‘We cannot afford to allow a handful of officers to tarnish the image of the service by undermining its integrity and decency.

Mr. Ahwoi said the service was moving in a new direction of positive change.

Addressing the officers, he stated that ‘you either fall in line with the path of professional correctness or fall out of the line.

By Cephas Larbi

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