The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) on Thursday, February 15th signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ghana Revenue Authority Custom Division to ensure the safety of Ghana’s borders.

Mr. Emmanuel Kofi Nti, Commissioner General of GRA said there was the need for the MoU since both services work hand in hand in ensuring the safety of the country’s borders

According to him, personnel of the two services often have conflicts whiles operating at the borders because of their selfish interest and thus they relegate National interest to the background.

“It is my firm belief that the conflict usually arise because of personal interest and not the common interest of the state” he said.

According to him, when such situations arise it affect the effective operations of the respective agencies and raises unnecessary tension, therefore it was prudent for both agencies to draw a MoU to seize those tensions and conflict.

“It is for this reasons that we should appreciate the efforts of these two institutions to come to an understanding that they would thenceforth serve the National interest better if they are able to work together” he added.

Mr. Nti said, the signing of the MoU will be the beginning of a collaboration between the GRA and the GIS to properly co-ordinate border operations in the interest of the country.

Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Finance, Mr. Jones Abban said, the MoU will bring a closure to the conflict of interest between personnel of the GIS and the Customs Services.

“The MoU is an innovative idea for improved harmonious operations at our borders,” he said

According to him, improvement in the efficiency and effectiveness in the operations at the borders will greatly facilitate the free movement of goods, services, and persons across Ghana’s borders which will then lead to cross-border trade thus increase in revenue mobilization collection

“The efficiency and effectiveness of our border controls and information sharing between the Customs Service and the GIS will enhance National security and check cross-border crimes and movement of terrorist” he added.

He was optimistic that the signing of the MoU will strengthen the ability of the two organizations to effectively monitor and share information.

“It is my great expectation that today’s function will bring about a closure to the tension and conflict between personnel of the two organization at the borders which has often been a concern to National security” he added.