Mr Kwesi Ahwoi, Minister of the Interior has noted the objectives of Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) to develop its academy and training school to an international acclaimed centre in the West African Sub-region.

He said Government is pleased that the dream is gradually becoming a reality as the academy and training school is undergoing infrastructural developments to expand and upgrade the facilities for the hosting and training of cadets and recruits.

Mr Ahwoi made the observation at the 21 intake passing-out parade ceremony of the GIS at its training school at Assin-Fosu in the Assin North District of the Central Region.

The key developments include the establishment of a computer laboratory, a library, additional dormitories and housing for training school staff.

He said upgrading of the facilities would improve international cooperation within the sub-region as Ghana is confronted with transnational organised crime and other migration related issues, which adversely affect frontier controls and socio-economic activities.

Mr Ahwoi said Ghana is faced with the influx of illegal foreign nationals into the small scale mining sector, which poses serious national security threat as well as environmental degradation and tension among local communities.

He said Government had come out with some measures to manage the potential volatile situation and took the opportunity to assure the international community that no xenophobic motives were intended.

Mr Ahwoi said the GIS is stepping up its post entry enforcement checks to ensure compliance with the country’s immigration laws.

Mr Ahwoi acknowledged the development being undertaken by the Service with the support of the European Union under the: “Thematic Programme for Migration and Asylum.”

He also lauded the assistance of the Danish Government to the GIS under the auspices of the Danish Development Agency.

Mr Justice Amevor, Assistant Commissioner of Immigration and Commanding Officer of the Training School, took the recruits through the various oaths.

Ms Gloria Mensah was adjudged the Overall Best Recruit and Best in Academics while Ms Elizabeth Martey picked the Most Discipline Recruit and Ms Patience Merley Narh the Best in Obstacle Crossing.

The Best in Drill Male and Female went to Mr Steffen King Amoah and Ms Evelyn Haizel while the Best in Physical Training Male and Female was taken by Mr Emmanuel Kwame Dansor and Ms Harriet Mould.