Frontier Personnel at the country’s borders have been asked to remain professional and always be mindful of the country’s interest.
Volta Regional Minister, Joseph Nii Laryea Afotey-Agbo, made the call during a familiarization tour of the Ghana-Togo eastern border post at Aflao.
The Minister urged staff of the various agencies at the border to be firm against smuggling and the movement of suspicious persons in and out of the country.
The visit was for Mr Afotey-Agbo to get a firsthand knowledge of activities along the borders in view of hints of underhand dealings going on there.
The Regional Minister reiterated the significance of the Aflao border to the country’s revenue gathering and security.
He said government would not relent in enhancing the working conditions of staff, but it was important they worked hard.
Agencies Mr Afotey-Agbo addressed included the Police, Customs, Immigration, BNI and National Security.
Ben Beckley, Sector Commander of the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) at Aflao, listed staff and logistical shortfalls, including patrol vehicles, as the major challenges facing the sector.
He said the weakening cedi was affecting the movement of trade, but said the Customs Division would work hard towards achieving the sector’s revenue target of GHC218.72 million for this year.
Julius Gborgla, Head of Immigration, said it was difficult to profile the estimated 6,000 people crossing the frontier daily, because many did not carry any form of identity cards, so suspected criminals could not be tracked.
The Minister also visited the Diamond Cement Factory and inspected the 8-kilometre multi-million-dollar rail line being built by the company to transport clinker from Lome to the plant and commended the company for its support to the national economy.
He stated that government would continue to provide an enabling environment for investments to thrive.
Tati Ramah Rao, General Manager said the company would respect the country’s regulations, and announced plans to build a modern sports stadium for Aflao.
Mr Afotey-Agbo also visited the Beat Nine Pedestrian Crossing Point.
During a courtesy call on Togbui Amenya Fiti the Fifth, Paramount Chief of Aflao, Mr. Afortey-Agbo extended his condolences to the people on Komla Dumor’s death.
Togbi Fiti appealed for the completion of the Aflao border complex project started in 1972 to face-lift the frontier and provide accommodation for border personnel.
The Minister, who is also the Regional Security Council (REGSEC) Chairman, was accompanied by Mr Francis Ganyaglo, his deputy and regional security heads.
Source: GNA