All you need to know about the new Comptroller-General of Ghana Immigration Service Samuel Basintale Amadu
The Deputy Commissioner of Immigration (DCOI) Samuel Basintale Amadu has been appointed as the new Comptroller-General of the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS), marking a significant milestone in Ghana’s immigration and border security leadership.
His appointment was announced on Friday, bringing to the helm a seasoned immigration officer with 31 years of dedicated service to the nation. As the new Comptroller-General, Mr. Amadu will oversee all operations of the Ghana Immigration Service, including border management, visa and permit issuance, enforcement of immigration laws, and coordination with international partners on migration matters.
His extensive experience in various strategic positions within the service positions him uniquely to address the complex immigration and security challenges facing Ghana in an increasingly interconnected world.
Below is the profile of Deputy Commissioner of Immigration (DCOI) Samuel Basintale Amadu, now elevated to lead one of Ghana’s critical security agencies.
Background and Education
Born on April 17, 1972, in Bawku in the Upper East Region of Ghana, Samuel Basintale Amadu began his educational journey at Ghana Secondary School (now Ghana Senior High School) in Tamale, Northern Region, where he completed his Ordinary and Advanced Level education.
His academic credentials include:
- Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Psychology with Philosophy from the University of Ghana (2000)
- Master of Arts in International Affairs from the Legon Center for International Affairs and Diplomacy (2008)
- Postgraduate Certificate in Public Administration with Distinction from the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) (2005)
Career at Ghana Immigration Service
Mr. Amadu joined the Ghana Immigration Service on September 1, 1993, and has served in various capacities during his three-decade career:
- Bono Regional Commander (July 2022 to September 2024)
- Head of Administration at the National Headquarters (May 2021 to July 2022)
- Greater Accra Regional Commander (May 2019 to May 2022)
- Tema Regional Commander (October 2017 to May 2019)
- Head of Operations at the National Headquarters (May to October 2017)
- Deputy Head and later Head of Kotoka International Airport Immigration (October 2009 to 2017)
- Second-in-Command at the Enforcement Unit (September 2008 to October 2009)
- Head of Ghana Passport Unit at the National Headquarters (2005 to September 2008)
Professional Expertise
As a senior immigration official, Mr. Amadu brings extensive knowledge in:
- National and international immigration laws
- Border security operations and intelligence gathering
- Policy analysis and legislative review
- Leadership and team management
- Crisis management and emergency response coordination
- Multicultural competence and stakeholder engagement
Professional Affiliations and Recognitions
- Founding member of the Africa FRONTEX Intelligence Community (established in Madrid, Spain in April 2000)
- Member of the Certified National Corps of Mediators
- Board Member of the Ghana Refugee Board (2020-2024)
- Certified INTERPOL Trainer with a certification in mediation from UNDP
- Received recognition as Overall Best Cadet and Best in Academics (2004) at the Ghana Immigration Academy, Assin Foso
Mr. Amadu is married with children and brings to his new role a wealth of experience in immigration management, border security, and international relations.
He is also a member of the Bissa Development Association (BDA)
Source: bissanews