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

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Valued at £9,000, the donation includes: boxes of handcuffs, handcuff holders, gloves, utility belts, Maglite 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.

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These items are anticipated to greatly enhance the detection of prohibited and restricted goods at the border. They will enable GIS and NACOC staff to effectively inspect containers, packages, and suitcases, thereby boosting operational efficiency.

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The equipment is built to be durable with a long lifespan, requiring only occasional battery replacements.

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Femi Akerele, International Liaison Manager of Home Office International Operations, remarked:

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“By working collaboratively, we can bring our expertise and assistance together to tackle organized crimes. Fighting human trafficking and modern slavery, trafficking of illicit commodities including drugs, firearms, illicit cash, and their negative impacts on our countries are our shared priorities. We believe this donation will assist in fulfilling that mandate. HOIO looks forward to continuing to work with GIS and NACOC to address these crucial risks.”

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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.

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The visit was an opportunity to strengthen relations with key stakeholders, including traditional and religious leaders, civil society organizations, and political parties, who will play a significant role in the 2024 elections in the region.

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After the visit, Northern Ghana Attaché Paul Edwards commented:

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“I am pleased that my colleagues from the Department of Home Office International Operations and our election expert joined me and the Northern Ghana team on this visit to the Upper East, Northeast, and Northern regions. I know the equipment provided to the Ghana Immigration Service and NACOC was well received. I also recognize the importance of our staff experiencing the Northern regions firsthand. Ghana cannot reach its potential unless Northern Ghana does. Security, economic growth, and development are interconnected and should be considered as different facets of the same triangle. It’s only by engaging directly with people on the ground that you can gain a true understanding of the opportunities and risks in the north.”

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The HOIO collaborates with Ghanaian partners, including the Ghana Immigration Service and Narcotics Control Commission, to combat organized immigration crime, human trafficking, modern slavery, and the trafficking of illicit goods such as drugs, firearms, and illicit cash.

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This collaboration involves providing training, logistics, office facilities, equipment, and IT support to ensure effective performance. Over the past year, the partnership has successfully disrupted numerous organized crime groups and seized significant amounts of illicit commodities.

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