Assin Fosu (C/R), Feb.14, GNA- Major crossing points at the country's borders, would be equipped with high security long- range cameras and other security surveillance systems to beef up national security.

Vice President Alhaji Aliu Mahama, who made this known on Wednesday called on personnel of the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) to refine their operational strategies by updating their knowledge, skills and capabilities in order to carry out their mandate to patrol the borders. He was speaking at Assin Fosu, in the Central Region, where he was the Reviewing Officer at the Commissioning Parade, Cadet Intake V, of the GIS.

Vice President Mahama said border infrastructure was under-going major development and upgrading to in order to provide adequate physical security and accommodation for officers.

He said border management had been a major challenge for most developing countries due to porous, arbitrary and often poorly demarcated frontiers and limited infrastructure to protect the borders and the sovereignty of states.

"Inadequate capacity and training for border officials have exacerbated the problem and contributed to undermine regional integration efforts and in some cases the very sovereignty that the borders were created to protect.

"Even though Ghana enjoys relative peace and stability, we nevertheless face serious challenges in terms of geographical location, pre-eminence on the African Continent and proximity to conflict zones." Vice President Mahama said the enforcement of Economic Community of West African States protocols and the free movement of people could facilitate transnational crime, thereby underscoring the vulnerability of borders.

"These and other factors compelled Government to take proactive steps to review our border policy and regulatory apparatus to contain any perceived and real threats.

"The decision of government is consistent with recent events around the world, in which border management has come to be seen as the frontline of the struggle against new and old threats; such as transnational crime, drug trafficking, arms proliferation, illegal migration, human trafficking and threats emanating from spill-over from conflicts."

The 58 cadets who passed out at the ceremony were presented with scrolls by Vice President Mahama and took the oath of office. They were subsequently congratulated amidst fanfare by the large gathering, including Mr Albert Kan Dapaah, Minister of the Interior, other ministers of state, Service Commanders, relatives and friends. Cadet Isaac Quansah received the award for the overall best cadet, best in academics and most disciplined cadet.

Cadet Michael Ampofo Brewu was adjudged the best male cadet in drills, while Cadet Patricia Ameyaw took home the best female in drills award.