Mar 28 , 2020 | Graphic Online

More than 80 immigrants who have attempted to cross over from Togo into Ghana since the closure of the country’s borders have been refused entry by the North East Regional Command of the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS).

The immigrants, who tried using unapproved routes into the country, are made up of Togolese, Nigerians, Malians, Beninois, Ivorians and some Ghanaians resident in Togo.

The acting Commander of the North East Regional Command of the GIS, Chief Superintendent William Peter Andoh, who disclosed this, said all the immigrants were sent back to Togo.

Border closure

The closure of entry points into Ghana by air, road and sea was upon a directive by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as part of enhanced measures to stop the spread of the COVID-19 in the country.

The directive does not apply to the transportation of goods and cargo.

Occasion

Chief Supt Andoh was briefing members of the North East Regional Security Council (REGSEC) last Thursday when they visited some approved and unapproved routes along the Ghana-Togo border to ascertain the preparedness of security officials to enforce the President’s directive.

There are only two approved borders on the North East Region stretch — the Wanjuga and the Bunkpurugu borders.

There are also many unapproved routes along the corridor where personnel of the GIS and the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) have intensified their patrols.

“Our borders are porous, but I am very impressed about your work so far. Although there are challenges, I can assure you that we will do everything possible to support you to deliver effectively,” the commander assured the GIS personnel.

High alert

Chief Supt Andoh said his outfit had intensified regular patrols to ensure that people did not flout the President’s directive.

“We are using both mobile and static operations, where some personnel are stationed at a particular route, while others use vehicles to patrol the routes. We also rely on informants,” he added.

He entreated the public, particularly residents along the borders, to report persons who attempted to enter the country illegally to the command for necessary actions.

He also appealed for adequate logistics and personnel to enable the GIS to work effectively.

Directive

The North East Regional Minister, Mr Solomon Boar, who is also the Chairman of the REGSEC, directed the security personnel to arrest all motorcycle riders who tried to help people enter the country, stressing: “Arrest any person found crossing the border through the unapproved routes. If they are on motorcycles, seize them immediately and keep them until further notice.”

On behalf of the REGSEC, the minister presented some Veronica buckets, hand sanitisers, nose masks and soap to the personnel.