Security agencies sign Memorandum of Understanding on Integrated Border Management

Ghana's border security agencies have signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Integrated Border Management.

The agreement between the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), the Ghana Maritime Authority, the Ghana Immigration Service and the Ghana Police Service would, inter alia, address border issues and facilitate the movement of goods. goods and services in ports.

Dickson Osei Bonsu, National Coordinator of the Security Governance Initiative (SGI) and facilitator of the agreement, said the initiative would ensure the free flow of information between participating agencies.

"They need a reference document stating that these articles, these instruments allow you to do A, B, C, D; now, in the memorandum of understanding they signed, there are certain details, "he said.

Mr. Osei Bonsu added: "There is a need to create structures for the security of the air, land and sea borders at port, regional and national level so that we can plan in a comprehensive way. nature of Ghana's borders "

According to SGI, the agreement also provides for the pace of some common activities, which include training, equipment sharing and infrastructure sharing.

Representatives from all agencies committed to abide by the terms and conditions set out in the document.

The memorandum of understanding, overseen by the Speaker of Parliament, Professor Mike Oquaye, is part of the Ghana-USA Security Governance Initiative (SGI) aimed at harnessing the best border security practices.

The first such approach coordinated by local and international border agencies is an affirmation of the World Customs Organization's Smart Borders initiative.

L & # 39; s history

In 2016, the Government of Ghana signed the Governance Charter to strengthen Ghana's capacity to manage threats in the areas of maritime cybersecurity, borders, and others.

SGI partner countries such as Kenya, Nigeria, Niger, Tunisia, Mali and other African countries have also expressed similar interests, in parallel with the requirements of various ECOWAS protocols and of the African Union.