The Governing Council of the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has praised the Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, for what it described as exceptional leadership in strengthening migration governance and building institutional resilience within the Service.

The commendation was made during a courtesy call by the Council at the Minister’s office in Accra, where the Council’s Chairman, Rev. Steve Wengam, described Mr Mohammed-Mubarak as one of the finest Interior Ministers Ghana has had.

He expressed appreciation for the Minister’s hands-on approach to immigration reforms and his commitment to professionalism within the GIS.

Rev. Wengam highlighted the Minister’s insistence on transparency and fairness in the ongoing recruitment process, as well as government’s support through the provision of 20 pickup vehicles to boost operational capacity, describing the move as a clear demonstration of commitment to the Service.

He further disclosed that, in response to the Minister’s call for innovative ways to support the Council’s work, plans were underway to roll out a Public-Private Partnership initiative dubbed Secure Our Borders (SECOBOD).

The project, he said, is expected to help address operational gaps and strengthen border management.

During the engagement, the Council also raised key challenges confronting the Service, including delays in promotions, the need to intensify efforts against indiscipline and corruption, infrastructure deficits, vehicle shortages, border security modernisation, and concerns about officer welfare.

Responding, Mr Mohammed-Mubarak commended the Council for its proactive leadership and assured members of his full support.

He urged officers of the Service to place national interest above all considerations while aligning their work with President John Dramani Mahama’s vision to reset, retool, and reform the Ghana Immigration Service.

The Minister noted that the Council’s priorities were consistent with government’s broader security agenda, revealing plans for the construction of seven new regional offices as part of the President’s retooling programme for the security services.

Emphasising the strategic role of immigration officers, Hon. Muntaka described them as the country’s first line of contact at its borders.

He pointed out that while Ghana has 48 recognised entry routes, there are more than 200 unapproved crossing points, stressing the President’s determination to establish a robust monitoring system across all borders.