Vulnerable Yet Porous

Our frontiers are just too porous. This fact, against the backdrop of the call to the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS), especially their border patrol personnel to be more vigilant than they have ever been, makes the subject worthy of dissection.

Until recently, some Ghanaians saw the GIS as a state department responsible for only stamping passports of both Ghanaians and foreigners entering and exiting the country, suggesting a limited knowledge about the role of immigration officers.

In a complex world, the roles of a modern immigration system worth its salt go beyond this limited terms of reference. They encompass a host of complex duties such as data management of the movement of persons and collaboration with sister counterparts across the globe.

The need for immigration officers to be on top of their job, abreast with migration issues across the world and above all geo-politics cannot therefore be marginalised. Their work makes for easy tracking of trans-border criminals and terrorists.

The terror alert, the caution from evangelists and the general paranoia that has gripped Ghanaians have all redefined the roles of the GIS even clearer, given the reality that the bad guys, if they are intent on coming here, would definitely use our frontiers: the border patrol unit of the security agency plays a critical role in stemming the migration of unwanted foreigners.

Last week especially saw the department on the front burner when an internal memo leaked to the media raised the alert to another bar. Although the integrity of the memo from the National Security Council was questioned for lacking the prominent features, “Restricted” and date variation, the alert status is now blinking with the frequency of a neon light.

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We appreciate how much those in charge of national security management would not like to be seen as sleeping on their jobs but ask that they turn their attention to the border patrol unit of the GIS.

Some of us had the opportunity of watching a documentary about the nature of their work and the challenges against the near open frontiers. Our expectations regarding frontier management in the hands of these men and women are too high.

It is not too late to start appreciating these challenges and putting some temporary measures at their disposal as the authorities look at a bigger picture for future consideration.

The world has changed with terrorists straddling it at will. No part of the world is too concealed from their sights and the status quo is not about changing now.

With Libya's failed status almost a permanent feature for now and therefore offering a safe haven for ISIS elements, West Africa is not out of their reach. The Mali, Burkina Faso and Ivory Coast attacks are ample evidence for the consideration of our security managers.

After a long foot-dragging over whether to arm the GIS or not, Parliament eventually gave the nod for a new armed status for immigration officers. Now the border patrol guys can call the bluff of intruders, some of whom in an ISIS-threatened world can be parlous.

So even as we demand more from the GIS, let the authorities consider equipping them even better.