General News of Wednesday, 21 April 2004

Source: GNA

Gov't. appreciates role of security-men at our borders

Gonokrom (B/A), April 21, GNA- Mr. Hackman Owusu-Agyemang, Minister of the Interior said on Monday that the Government appreciates the role of the security agencies at the nation's border stations and posts. "The government appreciates your sacrifices and your resolute contributions in the face of odds at your posts," he stressed.

Mr. Owusu-Agyemang was addressing officers and personnel of security agencies at the Gonokrom border station as part of his two-day official visit to Brong Ahafo.

"I want to commend you on behalf of the President for your allegiance and loyalty to the government and the state so far," he said and urged them to remain committed to national security for the sake of peace.

The Interior Minister said the conditions of service of the Police and the Immigration Service were being processed in a comprehensive manner, adding that even though conditions might not be the best they would help alleviate some problems.

He announced that the Ministry was also tackling communication equipment, transportation and other problems in a holistic manner and asked the security personnel to avoid acts of indiscipline at the border posts.

Mr. Owusu-Agyemang and his entourage of Heads of eight national security agencies under his Ministry inspected a rehabilitated security office block, housing offices of the Immigration Service and other government departments including the Internal Revenue Service, Ministry of Trade, Industries and President's Special Initiatives.

In a welcoming address, Mr. Emmanuel Opata, Controlling Officer at Gonokrom station complained about lack of electricity at the station, adequate accommodation and the problem of transport.

Mr. Andrew Nyarko, Base Commander, announced that there was good working relationship between the Ghanaian personnel and their counterparts on the Ivorian side of the border.

He mentioned Kofibadukrom, Yaakrom and Nkrankwanta as the three border posts under the station and complained about logistics and under-staffing.

The base commander said the station registered 73 arrivals and 62 departures in February this year.