• About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Photo Gallery
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Citi TV
Thursday, September 21, 2023
Citinewsroom - Comprehensive News in Ghana
  • Home
  • News
  • Business
  • Sports
  • Showbiz
  • Opinion
  • Infographics
  • Listen To CitiFM
  • Videos
No Result
View All Result
Citinewsroom - Comprehensive News in Ghana
  • Home
  • News
  • Business
  • Sports
  • Showbiz
  • Opinion
  • Infographics
  • Listen To CitiFM
  • Videos
No Result
View All Result
Citinewsroom - Comprehensive News in Ghana
No Result
View All Result

Logistical challenges fueling insecurity at Ghana’s borders

Marian AnsahbyMarian Ansah
February 19, 2018
Reading Time: 4 mins read
File photo

File photo

ShareShareShareShare

A solid border infrastructure in an unstable sub-region is critical not only to check criminals from entering the country, but also to check economic migrants attracted by Ghana’s stability and economic growth.

Ghana’s internal security can only be brought under control when challenges of border controls are satisfactorily addressed.

The use of sophisticated weapons by criminals and the increasing spate of sophisticated crime have alarmed the citizens.

The Ghana Police Service has come under intense criticism for not doing enough to bring crime under control.

However, blaming the Police Service alone is unfair as the critics have lost sight of the contribution of the country’s porous borders to the insecurity situation.

Economic attractions

Ghana’s emerging economy as a result of the oil find and its relative political stability in the West African sub-region have attracted an increasing number of foreigners, including illegal immigrants, as well as criminals, into the country to seek greener pastures.

Foreigners all over without proper records

The number of foreigners, especially from the neighboring countries, without any reliable record on them is a cause for concern, and a stroll in major cities and towns in Ghana provides enough evidence.

Easy for criminals for enter and exit

The porous borders make it easy for criminals to enter and depart the country through the numerous unapproved routes.

It is a fact that suspects arrested for serious crimes, such as armed robbery with sophisticated guns, murder and illegal sale of arms, comprise nationals from some of Ghana’s neighbouring countries.

Ghana has 42 approved borders

It must be noted that Ghana has 42 approved borders, comprising 36 minor borders, two seaports and four major borders, including one airport.

Illegal routes to Ghana

Aside these, there are several illegal routes along Ghana’s borders where smugglers and criminals ply their trade.

Not a single metre of border fencing

However, the country cannot boast of a single metre of border fencing, a critical element in border management strategy around the world.

In line with this, the country needs to construct a considerable length of fence fitted with Close Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras and other devices to enhance border management.

Where are the guns for Immigration Officers?

Last year, personnel of the Ghana Immigration Service at the country’s borders were legally permitted to use firearms during border patrols.

Even though Parliament passed an act to legalise the bearing of arms, the service is yet to be provided with the firearms.

Due to the weak border control, smugglers have a field day bringing goods to Ghana or taking goods out of the country through illegal border routes without paying duties, costing the economy millions of cedis in losses.

Immigration officers risk their lives in very obscure locations on Ghana’s borders just to protect the country.

Some officers actually sleep in temporary structures in deep forests hundreds of miles away from any community.

Others cross rivers and streams on foot and walk for miles to their duty posts.

Coherent border management systems

Ghana needs coherent border management systems in order to check the influx of illegal immigrants into the country.

Urgent need to retool Immigration Service

As the government allocates GH₵800 million to retool the Ghana Police Service, it is equally imperative for the government to, as a matter of urgency, pursue a coherent border management strategy through a well-equipped Immigration Service.

Bribery and corruption at entry points

Bribery and corruption at the entry points have also worsened the entry of contraband goods, especially arms and drugs, into the country.

24-hour opening

Since assuming office, President Nana Akufo-Addo keeps advocating for the 24-hour opening of the borders between Ghana and Togo, explaining that this will boost trade and tourism, and, thereby, ensure that the peoples of the two nations reap the economic benefits thereof.

While this is a noble idea, the influx of sophisticated weapons into the country, some of which have been intercepted by the security agencies, raises questions.

 3 Arrested for allegedly trading in weapons

Three men have been arrested by the Kasoa Divisional Police Command for allegedly trading in weapons and hiring same to criminals in Kasoa and elsewhere for robbery and other criminal activities.

The suspects are Mawuli Adokokye, 28; Obed Wood, 37; and Jeffrey Tetteh, 38.

Police arrest Chinese for illegal sale of arms (November 1, 2016).

In November 2016, Police in Kumasi arrested a Chinese woman for allegedly selling arms and ammunition without lawful authority.

Ashanti Region Deputy Commander, ACP Ampofo Duku said 32-year-old housewife, Lucy Tang, was picked up.

A search of her vehicle revealed four pump action guns, one Sig Sauer rifle and 70 rounds of 380 auto ammunition.

She led police to her residence at South Patasi, where two foreign-made pistols, 37 pieces of Point 22 ammunition, 20 pieces of Point 25 ammunition and 11 Chinese passports were found.

She told police the pump action guns were given to her by an unnamed Ghanaian while the foreign pistols belong to her brother, identified as Sun Yun Chang.

Though Lucy Tang claimed the Sig Sauer Rifle belongs to her, she failed to produce any document to prove ownership.

Kumasi police arrest 4 in biggest arms hauls

In December 2015, Police in Ashanti Region arrested four persons, including a Burkinabe, for possessing and transporting a cache of ammunition to Niger.

The suspects, three of whom are Ghanaians, were picked up upon a tip-off.

The arms retrieved include 20 AK47 guns, machine guns and countless ammunition.

Bomb scare: Police arrest 3 suspects

Few months ago, three persons who were in possession of seven explosive items alleged to be grenades (bomb) were arrested by the police.

They are Abdul Karim, 30, described as notorious land guard; Ismail Ali Musah, 31, believed to be a member of Islamic State in Syria (ISIS); and Osman Alhassan, 33, a Malian.

They are currently in police custody assisting in investigations.

The explosives were intercepted by the Odorkor Police based on intelligence.

Karim was arrested at Ablekuma Agape in Accra with the hand grenades.

He then led the police to arrest Musah (supplier of the grenade) and Alhassan at Kata Hostel at Nyamekye in Accra.

Police seize truckload of arms

On January 10, 2012, security operatives seized a truckload of arms and ammunition and arrested five suspects, comprising three Ghanaians and two Nigerians.

One of the Ghanaian suspects said he was the owner of the illicit cargo, and claimed it was being taken to Nigeria.

Police in Gambaga intercept cache of guns

Police at Gambaga in the Northern Region on December 8, 2017 intercepted a cache of weapons in a vehicle with six occupants.

The Nissan Patrol, with registration number GE 5433-16, was heading to Namong village from Tamale.

A search in the car uncovered six pump action guns and 130 cartridges.

–

Source: The Finder Newspaper

ShareTweetSendSend
Previous Post

Amidu’s appointment shows Nana Addo is serious – Rawlings

Next Post

Asensio hits brace as Real Madrid edge Betis in thriller

Related Posts

News

Immigration officer foils attempted kidnapping along Nsawam–Amasaman highway

June 14, 2023
Top Stories

Reduce alcohol, stop taking drugs – Security personnel advised

May 1, 2023
General

47 African nationals repatriated for engaging in illegal network market

January 5, 2023
Top Stories

981 parcels of suspected marijuana intercepted near Burkina Faso border

December 3, 2022
General

Immigration Service cautions public against recruitment scams by ‘Facebook fraudsters’

June 23, 2022
The Comptroller-General of Immigration, Mr Kwame Asuah Takyi explaining a point during the dialogue session
General

GIS boss lauds NCCE for leading conversations on constitutional review

June 3, 2022
Next Post

Asensio hits brace as Real Madrid edge Betis in thriller

TOP STORIES

#OccupyJulorbiHouse demo: BBC reporter, cameraman arrested

September 21, 2023

Upper East region: Nine shot dead in Pusiga by unknown gunmen

September 21, 2023

Lawyer for #OccupyJulorbiHouse protesters condemns Police arrest

September 21, 2023
Load More
ADVERTISEMENT
Citinewsroom - Comprehensive News in Ghana

CitiNewsroom.com is Ghana's leading news website that delivers high quality innovative, alternative news that challenges the status quo.

Archives

Download App

Download

Download

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Photo Gallery
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Citi TV

© 2023 All Rights Reserved Citi Newsroom.

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
  • Business
  • Sports
  • Showbiz
  • Opinion
  • Infographics
  • Listen To CitiFM
  • Videos

© 2023 All Rights Reserved Citi Newsroom.

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
Cookie SettingsAccept All
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT