A 24-unit accommodation facility for junior officers of the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has been inaugurated at Savelugu in the Northern Region.
The four-storey facility, constructed by the State Housing Company, is part of the government’s efforts to improve the living conditions of security personnel and enhance national security operations in the area.
Additionally, sod has been cut for the construction of another 24-unit facility in Tamale.
The new project, estimated at GH¢10 million and designed specifically for senior officers stationed at the Tamale International Airport, will include modern amenities to meet the operational and residential needs of the officers.
Improving welfare
At a brief ceremony to inaugurate and cut sod for the additional facility, the Minister for the Interior, Mohammed-Mubarak Muntaka, indicated that the project began in 2016 when the government, acting through the Ghana Immigration Service, entered into an agreement with the State Housing Company to address the acute accommodation challenges faced by the service.
“This project stands as a beacon and testament to the government’s commitment to improving the welfare of our security officers and their families. We believe that when our officers are well housed, they are better equipped to perform their duties efficiently and effectively,” he said.
He lauded the State Housing Company for the quality of work delivered and extended appreciation to the traditional authorities and community stakeholders whose support made the project a success.
Alhaji Mubarak acknowledged the sacrifices and dedication of the GIS officers in maintaining the integrity of Ghana’s borders and safeguarding national peace.
Enhance operations
The acting Comptroller-General of the GIS, Samuel Basintale Amadu, expressed gratitude to the government for its continued support and stressed that the new accommodation will significantly reduce the stress associated with housing and enhance operations.
He expressed his outfit’s commitment to put the facility to good use and ensure a proper maintenance culture.
The Managing Director of the State Housing Company, John Bawah, recounted that the partnership began in 2016 with the completion of four residential units for the GIS in Tamale, followed by two more in Wa and the renovation of the GIS regional commander’s residence in Bolgatanga in 2022.
He added that a number of new projects were in the pipeline, including a regional GIS office in Tamale, a district office at Tatale, a new border post near Yendi and other facilities across the country aimed at strengthening the operational capacity of the GIS.
The Northern Regional Minister, Ali Adolf John, also highlighted inadequate logistics as a key challenge hampering the operations of the service and called for more resources to enhance security operations in the north.