Interior Minister Backs GIS Alignment With 24-hour Economy Policy

The Minister for the Interior, Honourable Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak has applauded Management of the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) for mapping out a clear strategy to align with Government’s 24-hour Economy policy.
Delivering an address at the graduation parade of the Ghana Immigration Service’s 19th Cadet Intake at the Immigration Service Academy in Assin Foso, the Hon. Minister for the Interior and Member of Parliament for the Asawase Constituency, Hon. Mubarak, urged the Service to enhance operational efficiency by adopting modern technology, automating residence permit processes, and improving turnaround times. These measures, he noted, are essential to attracting greater foreign investment and supporting the Government’s vision of a productive, round-the-clock economy.
Hon. Mubarak reaffirmed Government’s commitment to retooling the GIS to enhance its operational efficiency in managing migration and securing Ghana’s borders. He highlighted the Service’s vital role as the first line of defence in safeguarding Ghana’s territorial integrity through the issuance of permits, enforcement of migration laws and border patrols. He further emphasized the Service’s contribution to national security, highlighting its role in facilitating trade, promoting tourism, and maintaining internal stability.
“The Ghana Immigration Service occupies a very strategic position for achieving peace, security, and economic prosperity and therefore cannot be underestimated,” he stated, echoing Government’s position and commitment towards a more innovative and robust approach to effectively respond to the challenges in migration management brought about by globalization.
As part of the day’s events, the Minister commissioned a newly constructed e-library at the Academy. The facility is expected to enhance academic research and the training of officers, equipping them with up-to-date knowledge to meet emerging migration trends and security challenges.

Hon. Mubarak further commended the graduating cadets for their dedication and successful completion of training, especially now Assistant Commissioner of Immigration (ASI) Kekeli Ofosu who emerged as the Overall Best Cadet Officer. He urged them to uphold the Service’s core values of discipline, professionalism, and integrity as they assume their official duties.
The 24-hour Economy is a Government policy to intentionally encourage round-the-clock productivity in various sectors of the economy, including agro-processing, pharmaceuticals, textiles, light manufacturing, tourism, digital services, and the creative economy. The GIS acknowledges the role of foreign investors in the initiative, and its mandate to facilitate their entry, residence and employment. The Service remains committed to executing this effectively and efficiently with 24/7 border patrol, swifter permit processing, intensified enforcement of migration laws, and uninterrupted service delivery at various commands.