British High Commission donates search and safety items worth £9,000 to GIS, NACOC at Paga border

The UK's Home Office International Operations (HOIO) has donated a range of search and safety equipment to the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) and the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) staff at the Paga Border.

The donation, valued at £9,000, includes handcuffs, handcuff holders, gloves, utility belts, mag lite torches, Stanley torches, pocket balances, ladders, container probes, a large Defender weighing scale, Peugeot Gerber cutter, Peugeot drill machine, Bosch inspection cameras, and digital cameras.

These items are intended to enhance the detection of prohibited and restricted items at border areas, enabling GIS and NACOC personnel to more efficiently inspect containers, packages, and suitcases. The equipment is designed to be durable and requires only periodic battery replacements.

During the handover, Femi Akerele, International Liaison Manager of HOIO, emphasized the importance of collaboration in combating organized crime, including human trafficking, modern slavery, and the trafficking of illicit commodities such as drugs, firearms, and illicit cash. He expressed hope that the donation would support these efforts and reaffirmed HOIO's commitment to working with GIS and NACOC to address these critical issues.

The donation occurred during a visit by the Northern Ghana team of the British High Commission to the Upper East Region. Led by Senior Counsellor and Northern Ghana Attaché Paul Edwards, the team also met with the new Upper East Regional Minister and discussed security, development, and politics. This visit aimed to strengthen relations with key stakeholders, including traditional and religious leaders, civil society organizations, and political parties, especially in light of the upcoming 2024 elections in the region.

Paul Edwards remarked on the importance of the visit, noting that it provided valuable insights into the opportunities and risks in Northern Ghana. He emphasized that security, economic growth, and development are interconnected and essential for the region's overall progress.

HOIO works with partners in Ghana, including GIS and NACOC, to combat organized immigration crime, human trafficking, modern-day slavery, and the trafficking of illicit commodities. Their collaboration includes providing training, logistics, office facilities, equipment, and IT support to enhance the effectiveness of these organizations. Over the past year, this partnership has led to the disruption of numerous organized crime groups and the seizure of significant quantities of illicit goods.

Source: British High Commission