"Bribery and corruption will not be tolerated" - Director

Accra, March 9, GNA - The newly appointed Director of Ghana Immigration Service (GIS), Dr Peter A. Wiredu, has warned that the new administration would not spare anyone caught engaging in any disgraceful acts of corruption and other forms of criminal activities at various duty points.

He said allegations of bribery and corruption by some Immigration Officers at the various points and border posts were rife throughout the country.

Addressing the first GIS Regional Commanders Conference in Accra on Wednesday, Dr Wiredu said the Kotoka International Airport, Tema Port, the Aflao, Elubo and Paga, major entry points had become notorious theatres in relation to the work of Immigration Officers. "I wish to take this opportunity to caution all and sundry that staff members who know themselves to be deeply rooted in corrupt practices should better advise themselves before the long arm of the law gets hold of them," he added.

Dr Wiredu, the fifth Commissioner of Police to be heading the Immigration Service, urged the officers to define new ways of doing things and to ensure that the processes and services were as transparent as possible.

He said many foreign nationals had expressed frustrations at their processes and services especially in the unjustifiable delays encountered during issuance of work and residence permits. "While we endeavour to have integrated efficiency and build stronger teams that will propel the Service to higher heights, I wish to caution officers to be vigilant and alert so that the security of the country may not be compromised on the altar of proverbial Ghanaian hospitality," he said.

The Director announced that there would be re-organisation, transfers and staff shifts within the service in line with the objective of securing maximum performance in the administrative and operational activities of the service.

"The re-organisation process will affect both junior and senior officers, all in the best interest of the service and there is the need for officers to accept the changes in good faith without reading meanings into them as they form part of our professional development," he added. On border security and cross border issues, Dr Wiredu said the continued political impasse in the Republic of Cote d'Ivoire should heighten their resolve to ensure maximum border security. He said reports of smuggling activities along the western corridor were alarming and directed Border Control commanders to cooperate with other agencies to step up patrol duties along the borders so as to curb cross-border crimes such as human trafficking and smuggling.

Dr Wiredu said activities of the documented migrants from neighbouring countries; particularly Fulani Herdsmen should engage their attention.

He said the Service would soon embark on the biometric documentation of these people and with the assistance of District Assemblies, map out their locations to make their monitoring easier. On capacity building, the Director said his administration was committed to capacity-building and manpower development of the Service and would embark on a training policy that would ensure regular training and re-training of all staff.

The Director said he had noted the perennial problems bedevilling the service and promised that all projects started by the past administration would be completed in addition to the ones to be started.