By Emmanuel Gamson
Elubo (W/R), Nov. 12, GNA – Alhaji Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka, the Minister for the Interior, has expressed the government’s determination to leverage integrated systems including Artificial Intelligence (AI) and modern technology to transform and enhance the work of the internal security agencies.
That, he said, would improve upon surveillance and intelligence sharing among the agencies, enhance border security management, and safeguard the territorial integrity of the country.
He was speaking in an interview with journalists after touring the Elubo Border in the Western Region to assess the security situation and interact with officers stationed at the border to gain first-hand knowledge on their operational challenges, and how best to resolve those issues.
Alhaji Muntaka noted that technological integration would address gaps in the deployment of human resources, adding that security solutions also depended on collaboration across multiple sectors.
He said the deployment of AI tools would help control movements and security infractions along the unapproved routes on Ghana’s frontiers.
He said: “Already, modern technology is being used for the National Customs Analysis Bureau (NCAB), the Electronic Visa system and others, so we are currently transforming the security system with technology because we know this can help us to do a lot more.”
Meanwhile, the Minister acknowledged the effective collaboration among security agencies on the Elubo Border and commended them for working together and sacrificing even in challenging times to ensure that Ghana’s borders and the people were safe and protected.
On their challenges, Alhaji Muntaka mentioned inadequate accommodation, congested office spaces, logistical constraints, and welfare as some of the critical issues discussed during the meeting with the Elubo team and assured that efforts would made to address them.
On the issue of use of unapproved routes, the Minister said he had engaged the Ivorian counterparts on information sharing and crime management to help secure those routes.
“We need the discussions across all levels and between the two countries as to how we can together make the western frontier safe and secured for our people and for businesses along western corridors,” he stated.
Assistant Commissioner Grace Mawusi Amexo, Elubo Sector Commander of Custom Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority, said the team had intensified efforts to minimise smuggling and drug trafficking through effective collaboration with other security agencies and the Ivorian counterparts.
She said despite the challenges, they would sustain efforts to strengthen border security along the western frontiers.
GNA
Edited by Justina Hilda Paaga/Kenneth Odeng Adade
Reporter: Emmanuel Gamson