Ghana's nation faces security challenges due to its open borders, especially along the Ghana-Togo frontier in the Volta Region. The Minister of the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, has identified 102 unofficial entry and exit points in this area alone. This situation allows for the dangerous free movement of people and goods into the country.
These porous borders create opportunities for illegal migration and smuggling. Minister Mohammed-Mubarak stated that many foreigners enter Ghana through these unmonitored routes. He believes these individuals are involved in criminal activities. The Minister made these remarks during a two-day visit to the Volta Region. His tour included a visit to the Aflao border post. He specifically noted the Ghana-Togo border as a major crossing point for people entering the country illegally.
The issue of border security is a significant economic and political concern for Ghana. Inefficient border management can impact trade and national revenue collection. Smuggled goods evade taxes, reducing government income. The presence of illegal migrants can also strain public resources. Ghana has historically faced challenges with managing its extensive land borders. Weaknesses in border control can also pose national security risks beyond petty crime. Prior efforts to enhance border security have focused on increasing personnel and improving infrastructure.
"This is a serious concern, and I assure you that working even if it means we have to work with the Ministry of Energy, to provide solar, just to protect that system, we may have to do that," Minister Mohammed-Mubarak explained. He emphasized the need for reliable power at border posts, noting that outages hinder the capture of entry and exit data. The Aflao Sector Commander, Deputy Commissioner of Immigration, Mark Asamoah Boakey, acknowledged the challenges. He stated that his team works diligently despite limited resources and a vast number of unapproved routes. "Our men are manning all these unapproved routes. Definitely, believably, you know that we cannot cover everything," he said.
The government plans to address these security lapses. Improvements to border lighting, including the potential use of solar power, are being considered. This aims to ensure continuous monitoring, even during power outages. Minister Mohammed-Mubarak also stressed the importance of collaboration among all security agencies. This coordinated approach is vital for effective border protection and preventing illegal activities. Further actions will likely involve increased patrols and intelligence gathering along known unofficial routes. The government will also look at improving the infrastructure at official border crossings.