The UK’s Department of Home Office International Operations (HOIO) has made a generous donation to the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) and the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) staff stationed at the Paga Border. The donation, valued at £9,000, includes various search and safety items such as handcuffs, gloves, torches, ladders, and digital cameras.
These items are expected to boost the detection of prohibited and restricted items encountered at the Border areas, allowing GIS and NACOC personnel to efficiently access containers, packages, and suitcases. The equipment is designed to be durable with a long shelf life, only requiring periodic battery replacements.
Femi Akerele, the International Liaison Manager of Home Office International Operations, highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts in tackling organized crimes such as human trafficking, modern slavery, and the trafficking of illicit commodities. The donation is aimed at assisting in fulfilling this mandate and enhancing operational effectiveness at the Paga Border.
The donation was part of a visit by the Northern Ghana team of the British High Commission to the Upper East Region. The team engaged in discussions with key stakeholders, including traditional and religious leaders, civil society organizations, and political parties, to strengthen relations and address crucial risks in the region.
The Department of Home Office International Operations (HOIO) works closely with partners in Ghana, including GIS and NACOC, to combat organized immigration crime, human trafficking, and the trafficking of illicit commodities. Through training, logistics support, and equipment provision, this collaboration has successfully disrupted organized crime groups and seized significant quantities of illicit commodities.
The donation and ongoing partnership between HOIO, GIS, and NACOC demonstrate a shared commitment to enhancing security and combating organized crime in Ghana.
