By Frank Kwame Abbor
Ho (V/R), April 30, GNA — Mr Faisal Disu, Acting Deputy Comptroller-General for Operations at the Ghana Immigration Service, says inland checkpoints are vital for national security, not public inconvenience.
Speaking to the Ghana News Agency after a working visit to the Volta Region, Mr Disu said his tour, which began on Sunday, covered key operational areas including Aflao, Akanu, Batume, Afegame and Sogakope to assess activities on the ground.
“I have been in the region since Sunday, familiarising myself with operations across the various commands,” he said.
Addressing growing public calls for the removal of checkpoints, he explained the concept of inland borders and their relevance.
“An inland checkpoint is a point of convergence where multiple routes meet, especially along frontier communities where people move freely across borders,” he explained.
He noted that Ghana’s border communities often share close ties with neighbouring countries, making cross-border movement frequent and sometimes difficult to monitor.
“Because the same communities exist on both sides of the border, it becomes easy for people to move in and out, and that creates security challenges,” he added.
Mr Disu said locations such as Asikuma and Sogakope were strategically selected to intercept movements from various entry points.
“No matter where you come from along the frontier, you will likely pass through these checkpoints unless you take very unlikely routes,” he noted.
He revealed that inland checkpoints have played a critical role in crime prevention and national security operations.
“We have arrested persons on security watchlists, including criminals and individuals involved in narcotic trafficking through these inland checkpoints,” he disclosed.
Highlighting a past success, he said a suspect involved in the murder of two policemen in Kasoa was arrested through inland checkpoint operations, demonstrating their effectiveness.
Mr Disu explained that officers conduct profiling at checkpoints to detect suspicious behaviour.
“That is why passengers are sometimes asked to alight; officers are trained to observe and assess behaviour for security purposes,” he said.
On concerns about misconduct and poor public relations, he acknowledged lapses and assured corrective measures.
“We have cautioned our officers to respect local customs and traditions and to maintain professionalism in their interactions with the public,” he emphasised.
He announced that community engagement initiatives were being strengthened to rebuild trust.
“We are rolling out community engagement and policing to bring our officers closer to the people and improve relations,” he stated.
Mr Disu also issued a strong warning to personnel who fail to adhere to standards.
“Going forward, we will apply severe sanctions to any officer who disrespects the public or disregards laid down procedures,” he cautioned.
He apologised to residents on behalf of the Service.
“We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused and assure the public that we are committed to improving our operations while safeguarding national security,” he said.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah /Audrey Dekalu