Assin-Fosu(C/R), Nov. 10, GNA - The country's Immigration Law is to be amended to enable Immigration officials to use arms in the performance of their duties.

This was stated by Mr Kobina Tahiru Hammond, Deputy Minister for Interior at the passing out of 237 recruits of the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) at Assin Fosu in the Central Region on Friday. He stressed the government's commitment to ensure the security and the territorial integrity of the country and said it had had demonstrated this by making resources available to the Immigration Service to patrol and manage Ghana's territorial borders. Mr Hammond gave the assurance that the government would within the constraints of the economy provide more logistical support for the training of the Service.

"The Ghana Immigration Service plays a multifaceted role in our economic and national development efforts. You play the role of customer care, diplomacy as well as security operatives.

"To successfully execute these roles you require adequate training, personal discipline, dedication to duty, good interpersonal skills, diligence and honesty above all," he said.

Mr Hammond warned that any officer who was found to have compromised his position for personal gain would have to contend with the laws of the country.

"If on the other hand you perform your officially assigned duties diligently, you will enjoy your chosen career as Immigration Officers," the Deputy Minister stated.

He advised the Immigration officers to refrain from engaging in dishonest acts, which would tarnish the reputation of the Service. "There is an alarming public perception that border officers engage in unethical behaviour. This negative image is of serious concern to government," The Deputy Interior Minister stated.

"In a free and democratic society such as ours it is important that citizens have confidence in the security. It is against this background that government is committed to the ongoing border patrol programme. The rationale of this programme is to bring on board a new generation of Immigration Officers who are properly trained, adequately resourced and motivated enough to handle modern migration trends". Mr Hammond said. Out of the 237, Officer Jeffery Tetteh was adjudged the best overall recruit, Frederick Brown Dennis, best in drill (male) and Gladys Afi Hor, best in drill (female).

Godfred Boakye Djan, best in physical training, Angela Nova Gbade, most disciplined recruit and Nathaniel Adjoka Okpata, best in academics. Present at the parade were the Central Regional Minister, Nana Ato Arthur, Director of Immigration, Madam Elizabeth Agyei, District Chief Executives and Members of Parliament.