The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has justified the continued operation of immigration checkpoints at Asikuma and Sogakope, describing them as critical to national security and border management.
The Acting Deputy Comptroller General in charge of Operations and the Command Post, Faisal Disu, made the remarks after a three-day working visit to the Volta Region, where he assessed activities at various immigration posts. His tour took him to Sogakope, Aflao, Akanu, Batume, and Wli Afegame, before ending with a meeting with officers at the Asikuma checkpoint on his return to Accra.
Mr Disu explained that inland border checkpoints serve as convergence points where several roads meet. He noted that Ghana’s borders are not always marked by clear physical barriers but often exist as frontier zones where communities live on both sides, making it easier for people to cross undetected.
He said Asikuma is strategically positioned as one of such convergence points, adding that individuals entering Ghana through the frontier are likely to pass through the area. He also indicated that Sogakope plays a similar role, as travellers must pass through the town unless they attempt to cross the river, which he said is not a practical option due to the lack of river transport.
According to him, the importance of these checkpoints is sometimes misunderstood by the public. He explained that officers carry out profiling, which requires passengers to disembark from vehicles to allow for proper observation and assessment.
Mr Disu revealed that the checkpoints have contributed to several key security arrests. He cited an instance where officers apprehended a suspect linked to the killing of two police officers in Kasoa at an inland checkpoint. He added that narcotics and other contraband have also been intercepted through similar operations.
Beyond immigration control, he said the checkpoints play a broader role in maintaining security within their respective districts. At Sogakope, he noted, the GIS operates as the largest security agency in the area and collaborates closely with the police, sharing intelligence with National Headquarters and the National Security Council. He added that the Service also contributes to security along sections of the Abidjan to Lagos corridor.
Mr Disu acknowledged concerns from the public, particularly complaints about misconduct and poor communication by some officers. He noted that the use of certain local languages in engagements, such as speaking Akan first in the Volta Region, could be perceived as insensitive, especially when dealing with traditional authorities.
He explained that recruitment into the GIS is open to all Ghanaians and follows a standardised national process, making it impossible to assign personnel strictly based on regional or ethnic considerations.
He admitted that some officers occasionally become too relaxed and revert to their local dialects when interacting with the public, but said the Service is taking steps to address the issue and improve professionalism at its checkpoints.
