The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS), under the auspices of the Ministry of Interior, has acquired 30 vehicles from the government to bolster the nation's efforts in maintaining effective border control.

The fleet consists of 23 Toyota Land Cruisers GXR, three Toyota Land Cruisers Twin Turbo, one Toyota Land Cruiser VXS, one Toyota Tundra, and two Toyota Double Cabin Pick-ups.

The Minister for Interior, Ambrose Dery who presented the vehicles to the Service at a short ceremony in Accra underscored the usefulness of the vehicles to GIS in managing the country's borders effectively.

He noted that the vehicles will help GIS in the wake of insurgencies and insecurities in the West African sub-region.

According to the Member of Parliament for Nandom constituency in the Upper West Region, the government was aware of the threats these undesirable elements pose at the country’s borders, especially at the Northern frontiers.

He emphasisied the government’s commitment to putting things in place to address these issues.

“Government views the GIS as an integral part of the security architecture that can deal with the insecurities at the border, hence the donation of the cars.

"It is in this direction that we are gathered here today, to unveil these vehicles to you for effective border management and security," Mr Dery said.

On his part, the Comptroller General of GIS, Kwame Asuah-Takyi who accepted the delivery of the vehicles on behalf of the Service expressed gratitude at the gesture by the government.

He clarified that the additional vehicles would help address the operational and administrative needs of the Service in protecting the borders and combating crimes in the country.

Mr Asuah-Takyi added that the donation of the vehicles would enable the operational and administrative staff to embark on operations and assist commanders to effectively monitor personnel and carry out border patrols effectively.

“The Service is already implementing a radical and ambitious reform to enhance operational effectiveness and visibilities in all sectors across the country.”           

Nevertheless, he emphasised that the evolving situation in the Northern neighbouring countries necessitates an increased allocation of logistical support.

This proactive approach, he said is crucial to effectively addressing emerging threats that pose a risk to the safety, peace, and security along Ghana's borders, with a particular focus on the vulnerable Northern frontiers.

Mr Ansuah-Takyi, therefore, called on private entities to also support the GIS with logistics.

"I will enjoin all well-meaning individuals and corporate bodies to also lend a hand of support to the Service, for when the borders are secured, the country is safe," he added.