The government has approved a proposal for border patrol teams of the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) to use weapons. This forms part of efforts by the government to review legislation and policies, as well as the conditions of service of immigration personnel, to promote capacity and effective vigilance at the borders. Furthermore, a new strategic plan for the GIS is set to be launched before the end of the year while a proposal for the extension of border operational hours is currently awaiting consideration by the government. The Minister of the Interior, Mr Martin Amidu, made this known at the passing out of the second batch of recruits of the Bureau of Immigration and Naturalisation (BIN) of Liberia at the Ghana Immigration Training School at Assin Fosu on Wednesday. Mr Amidu noted that these reforms and strategies were critical to emerging democracies in the sub-region, adding that "Ghana stands willing and committed to further share with other countries to enable them to deal with challenges and practicalities of border and immigration control in the future." He asked the security officers to demonstrate initiative, alertness and high sense of discretion and judgement at all times. He also called for humility, discipline and selflessness in all situations, as well as a sense of dedication to work. Mr Amidu stated that Ghana was proud to be associated with the recovery process in Liberia, adding that the' ministry was reliably informed that the first batch of trainees had already demonstrated a high sense of duty, integrity and professionalism in their work. He noted that already the GIS had secured very commendable support from the Danish government to partly fund the process of infrastructure upgrading and curriculum review to transform the GIS Training School into a regional institution to provide professional and management courses in the senior category and other customised courses for counterparts in the sub-region and beyond. The National Security Advisor of Liberia, Boima Fahnbullah, thanked the Ghana government for the tremendous support in helping to build the security forces of Liberia. Source: Daily Graphic