Assin Fosu (C/R), April 4, GNA - Vice President Alhaji Aliu Mahama on Friday lauded the training of Liberian immigration officers in Ghana as a real demonstration of the spirit of regional integration and co-operation.

He was speaking at the Commissioning of Cadet Intake VI, at the Assin Fosu training facility of the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) where 53 cadets passed out after a three-month intensive course. The GIS trained three Liberian cadets in collaboration with the Naturalisation Department of Liberia, the Netherlands and the United Nations Mission in Liberia to reform and restructure the immigration system of the West African state.

Vice President Mahama said government had expanded the traditional role of the GIS to become the agent of economic development in order to attract Foreign Direct Investment and Tourism as growth poles, which could help the country to accelerate the vision of attaining the status of a middle income by 2015.

He said: "As a frontline agency, the Service is expected to enhance its facilitative role by providing timely and quality services to its clients. Its ability to achieve this will re-affirm Ghana's emerging status as a preferred destination for international business capital and transactions."

Vice President Mahama said one of the major threats to the security of any nation is crime and urged the GIS to collaborate with other security agencies to design mechanisms, which would regulate the flow of people into the country.

"It is for this reason that the government is also committed to equipping the Border Patrol Unit of the Immigration Service with all the necessary logistics to improve its deterrent and apprehensive capabilities."

Vice President Mahama called on the cadets to discharge their duties before, during and after Election 2008 in order to preserve the unity and social cohesion of the country.

The overall best cadet officer went to Joseph Martei Quarshie; Mohammed Abdul Mananu was adjudged the best male in drills and Anita Afuma Gyesi, the best female in that category. The most disciplined cadet officer went to Daniel Kwame Tetey, while the best foreign officer went to Chea Teah Nelson. The best in physical training prize was captured by Patrick Asmah, and the best in academic, Nicholas Manu. 04 April 08