By: Alberta Asanewa Dwirah and Noami Amissah
The Comptroller-General of Immigration, Samuel Basintale Amadu, has called for stronger collaboration between the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) and border communities, describing community partnership as critical to effective border security.
He made the call at the official launch of the Community Engagement and Policing (CEP) Strategy, Curriculum and Training Manual, which he said marks a significant shift in Ghana’s approach to border governance.
According to Mr. Amadu, changing migration dynamics and emerging security threats have exposed the limitations of enforcement-only approaches, making trust, dialogue and cooperation with border and coastal communities more important than ever.
“Sustainable border security requires more than enforcement. It depends on trust, open communication and strong partnerships with communities who are often the first to detect irregular migration and transnational crime,” he said.
The CEP framework, which reflects global best practices, promotes a people-centred and rights-based approach to border management. It seeks to equip immigration officers with the skills to address local security concerns while respecting human rights and promoting safe mobility.
Under the phased rollout plan, GIS will begin with targeted training-of-trainers sessions across the Northern, Middle and Southern zones of the country, ahead of full implementation of the strategy within border communities.
Mr. Amadu explained that the CEP initiative, conceived in 2023, was developed through research, stakeholder consultations and operational experience. He noted that the strategy aligns with the National Public Affairs Community Engagement (PACE) Strategy and is supported by a comprehensive curriculum and user-friendly training manual.
Speaking on behalf of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Chief of Mission in Ghana, Fatou Ndiaye, an IOM official commended GIS and its partners for advancing an integrated, community-centred and rights-based approach to border management.
“By actively involving border communities and migrants, the CEP approach reduces vulnerabilities, counters criminal activity and strengthens national and regional security,” the official said.
The launch coincided with the observance of International Migrants Day 2025, marked globally under the theme “My Great Story: Cultures and Development.” Speakers at the event reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to building safe, inclusive and resilient border communities, while recognising migrants’ contributions to national development.
The Comptroller-General urged immigration officers to embrace the CEP approach in their daily operations, emphasising professionalism, accountability and meaningful community engagement. He also acknowledged development partners for their contributions to the development of the strategy.
He described the launch as a defining step towards transforming border management in Ghana through trust, collaboration and shared responsibility.
