The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) said the ongoing operation to seal unauthorised border crossing points, affectionately called “Beats and Pillars,” aims to ensure border safety and not to restrict voting rights of border residents.

The Aflao Sector Command of the GIS with the support of sister security agencies, on Sunday, November 09, started “Operation Close the Beats and Pillars” to prevent travellers from crossing the border through unapproved crossing points.

Deputy Commissioner of Immigration (DCOI), Noah Ahomka Yeboah, acting Volta Regional Commander of the GIS, allayed fears of the people, saying, the security initiative’s main goal was to keep unwanted travellers away from the country’s borders especially as Ghana approached its crucial elections in December.

He gave the assurance when he paid a working visit to the Aflao Sector Command of the GIS where he commended the officers for their dedication and hard work in safeguarding the country’s eastern border.

He also encouraged them to continue their efforts in enhancing the image of the Service.

“It is important to secure our borders against potential threats from violent extremists and terrorists, especially because of the upcoming 2024 Presidential and Parliamentary elections. So, this operation’s goal is not to restrict the voting rights of border residents, but to maintain the integrity of the nation’s borders.”

The visit saw the acting Regional Commander tour some Beats and Pillars, where he encouraged the Border Security personnel on guard duty to collaborate, be very alert and give of their professional best to safeguard Ghana’s territorial integrity.

DCOI Yeboah also engaged some youth in the border communities, urging them to remain calm and collaborate with the security agencies to safeguard the peace and security of the country, especially during the election period by volunteering information that could help intercept criminal elements who might want to disturb the country’s peace.

Additionally, he visited other security officers including Assistant Commissioner Joseph Allan, the Aflao Customs Sector Commander, calling on them to eschew rivalry and collaborate in the interest of Ghana.

He reminded them to “Note that you are all working for Ghana, not any one particular security service.”

Assistant Commissioner of Immigration (ACI) Frederick Baah Duodu, GIS Aflao Sector Commander, said the security situation along the borders was relatively calm and peaceful in the ongoing operation at the unapproved crossing points.

Mr Amos Asante, Officer-in-Charge of the National Intelligence Bureau at the Aflao Border, commended ACI Duodu for his proactive leadership and the various initiatives he had implemented to maintain peace and security in the Border area.

Deputy Superintendent of Immigration Justice Kudzo Normeshie, Officer in charge of the Public Affairs Unit, GIS Aflao, later in an interview with Ghana News Agency, clarified that speculations that the borders had been closed were untrue.

“We’re only ensuring that goods carried in tricycles and on motorbikes are directed to pass through the main border for proper search and inspection while people go through either Beat 9 or the main border and not the unauthorised crossing points.”