The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS), Aflao Sector Command, has intensified surveillance and community engagements along unapproved crossing points in the Ketu South Municipality to detect and prevent irregular migration into Ghana. This move aims to curb the infiltration of illegal migrants and address the challenges they pose to local communities. According to DCOI Mark Asamoah-Boakye, the Aflao Sector Commander, the engagement is part of efforts to strengthen collaboration between the Service and communities along the border.
The latest community engagement, organised by the Public Affairs Department of the Aflao Sector Command, covered the Duta Electoral Area, including Gakli, Kologa, and adjoining communities. The engagement sought the support and cooperation of community members to help the Service detect, prevent, and deter irregular migrants entering the country through unapproved routes. Community members were encouraged to provide timely information on suspicious movements and activities that could assist security personnel in preventing irregular entry.
The Service has established a Community Prevention Forum (CPF) dialogue platform under its Community Engagement and Policing (CEP) Strategy. This platform provides a channel for communities to share information and support efforts to prevent irregular migration and related activities. The CPF aims to foster collaboration between the Service and local communities, ensuring that migrants entering the country do so through approved routes.
Irregular migrants often end up as destitute and depend on communities and Zongo leaders for assistance. Some have become street beggars, while others have been exposed to exploitation and abuse after promised employment opportunities failed to materialize. The situation has made community cooperation crucial in identifying people entering the country through unapproved routes and preventing them from falling into vulnerable circumstances.
In 2026 alone, the Aflao Sector Command intercepted and repatriated numerous irregular migrants as part of intensified border surveillance. Persons involved in facilitating the unlawful entry of migrants have also been arrested and prosecuted before the Denu Circuit Court, where some have been convicted. The Service continues to encourage residents in communities close to the border to provide information on suspicious activities.
Community members welcomed the initiative and pledged their support for the Ghana Immigration Service in its efforts to detect and prevent irregular migration. They also welcomed the Community Prevention Forum as a platform for dialogue and collaboration between the Service and communities under the Community Engagement and Policing Strategy. The Aflao Sector Command emphasized that sustained cooperation between border communities and the Immigration Service remained essential in detecting irregular movement and protecting vulnerable persons.
The Ghana Immigration Service's efforts to engage with local communities and prevent irregular migration have yielded positive results. The Service's collaboration with communities has led to the identification and repatriation of irregular migrants, as well as the prosecution of those involved in facilitating their entry. The GIS continues to work with local communities to strengthen security along the country's border and prevent the infiltration of illegal migrants.
Key points
- The Ghana Immigration Service has intensified surveillance and community engagements to detect and prevent irregular migration into Ghana.
- The Service has established a Community Prevention Forum dialogue platform to foster collaboration with local communities.
- In 2026, the Aflao Sector Command intercepted and repatriated numerous irregular migrants as part of intensified border surveillance.
