Ghana Immigration Service

Also known as: GIS

Ghana Immigration Service — border security agency transitioning to intelligence-led approach to counter transnational threats and irregular migration.

2026-04-262026-08-23

In coverage

Verbatim sentences from the source article.

August 2026
11 AugJoy Online
… The seminar featured a panel of experts, including Afasi Komla, Director of Engage Now Africa and an anti-human trafficking expert; Chief Superintendent Alberta Ankrah, National Head of the Anti-Human Smuggling and Trafficking in Persons Unit of the Ghana Immigration Service; and …
Students warned against fake online jobs, scholarships as traffickers target young people
11 AugJoy Online
The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) is stepping up efforts to detect and disrupt emerging security threats at Ghana’s borders as criminal networks increasingly exploit technology, irregular migration routes and weak points in border systems. …
GIS shifts to intelligence-led border security as transnational threats grow
11 AugJoy Online
… Participants included religious leaders, representatives of community watchdog committees and personnel from the Ghana Police Service, Ghana Immigration Service and Ghana National Fire Service. …
Informal peace structures critical to conflict prevention – Peace Council
10 AugJoy Online
… The organisation is also demanding increased personnel and resources for the AHTU, the Ghana Immigration Service and specialised prosecution teams. …
33 girls rescued from trafficking, forced to pay up to GH¢20,000 for freedom
9 AugJoy Online
… The initiative also forms part of plans to establish a Central Region Security Services Rugby Championship involving the Prisons Service, Ghana Police Service, Ghana National Fire Service, Ghana Immigration Service and the Ghana Armed Forces. …
Central Region Rugby Association seeks to establish club at Ankaful Prison
9 AugJoy Online
… Meanwhile, a Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) officer has also been transferred from the Accra International Airport after she was captured in a viral video allegedly demanding money for “breakfast” from a passenger. …
Two Port Health officers barred from Accra International Airport over Yellow Fever Card extortion
9 AugJoy Online
A Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) officer has been transferred from the Accra International Airport after she was captured in a viral video allegedly demanding money for “breakfast” from a passenger. …
Immigration officer transferred from Accra International Airport after asking passenger for ‘breakfast’
7 AugDaily Guide
… In a related development, the company disclosed that it had taken note of a viral video showing a Ghana Immigration Service officer allegedly demanding money for “breakfast” from a traveller. …
Port Health Officers Banned Over Airport Extortion
7 AugJoy Online
… The company also disclosed that the Ghana Immigration Service had transferred an immigration officer captured in a viral video allegedly demanding money from a traveller for “breakfast”. …
GACL bars two Port Health officers over alleged Yellow Fever Card extortion
6 AugThe Ghanaian Times
… GACL said the hotline covers personnel from several agencies and companies operating at the airports, including the Ghana Immigration Service, Customs, the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, the Ghana Police Service, National Security, airlines, ground handling companies, private se …
GACL introduces hotline and “mystery shopping” to fight airport extortion

Society

Accra court remands man over alleged bank robbery attempt

The News

An Accra Circuit Court has remanded a 49-year-old unemployed man into custody over an alleged attempted robbery at a GCB Bank branch at Labone. He has pleaded not guilty to eight counts including conspiracy to commit robbery and attempted robbery, and police investigations have linked him and five other suspects to alleged robberies between May and August 13, 2026, in Tema, Spintex, Labone, Togo and Côte d'Ivoire.

21 August 2026 · Joy Online →

Friday 21 August

Accra court remands man over alleged bank robbery attempt
An Accra Circuit Court has remanded a 49-year-old unemployed man into custody over an alleged attempted robbery at a GCB Bank branch at Labone. He has pleaded not guilty to eight counts including conspiracy to commit robbery and attempted robbery, and police investigations have linked him and five other suspects to alleged robberies between May and August 13, 2026, in Tema, Spintex, Labone, Togo and Côte d'Ivoire.
21 August 2026 · Joy Online →

Tuesday 18 August

Eleventh batch of Ghanaian evacuees arrives from South Africa
The government received 87 Ghanaian nationals evacuated from South Africa following xenophobic attacks, arriving at Accra International Airport on Monday as part of the second phase of evacuation. The returnees were welcomed by government officials who assured them of support for reintegration and urged them to contribute to Ghana's development.
18 August 2026 · Joy Online →

Friday 14 August

GMA calls for swift implementation of port optimization at Tema
The Ghana Maritime Authority has urged stakeholders to implement proposals designed to reduce vessel delays and improve turnaround times at Tema Port, emphasizing the need for better coordination among port agencies and the establishment of a Maritime Single Window for electronic documentation processing.
14 August 2026 · Joy Online →

Thursday 13 August

26 suspected illegal miners arrested in Mpohor-Fiase operation
The Mpohor-Fiase District Assembly arrested 26 suspected illegal miners during a coordinated security operation targeting about 10 suspected illegal mining sites, and seized 14 pumping machines, eight motorbikes and two gallons of fuel. The District Chief Executive said the district-level taskforce would be strengthened to complement the work of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat.
13 August 2026 · Joy Online →
Yendi MCE urges youth to use government job programmes
The Municipal Chief Executive for Yendi has encouraged young people to take advantage of government employment initiatives to improve their livelihoods and build better futures. The encouragement came during a Youth Employment Agency training that educated participants on safe labour migration and the dangers of irregular migration, including human trafficking and exploitation.
13 August 2026 · The Ghanaian Times →

Tuesday 11 August

Police arrest four, seize 118 bags of cocoa near Togo border
The North East Regional Police Command arrested four persons and intercepted 118 bags of cocoa beans (11,800 kilogrammes) allegedly being smuggled to Togo at Bunkpurugu on August 9, 2026. The cocoa was hidden in a truck loaded with plantain, which police said was used as a decoy; the suspects are in custody pending court appearance.
11 August 2026 · The Chronicle →
Police arrest four, seize 118 bags of cocoa bound for Togo
The North East Regional Police Command arrested four suspects and intercepted 11,800 kilogrammes of cocoa beans at Bunkpurugu, believed destined for Togo. Plantain was being used as a decoy to conceal the cocoa, and the suspects are in custody pending court proceedings.
11 August 2026 · The Ghanaian Times →
Police arrest four, seize 118 bags cocoa bound for Togo
The North East Regional Police Command arrested four suspects and intercepted 118 bags of cocoa beans (11,800 kilograms) destined for Togo at the Bunkpurugu border; plantain had allegedly been placed in the truck as a decoy to conceal the cocoa.
11 August 2026 · Joy Online →
Multi-agency team arrests four over smuggled cocoa at border
A security operation led by the Bunkpurugu Immigration Command intercepted 118 bags of cocoa beans concealed beneath plantains in a truck at the Bunkpurugu border road, resulting in the arrest of four suspects. The cocoa, weighing approximately 11,800 kilogrammes, was seized and taken into the custody of Ghana's Customs Division.
11 August 2026 · Joy Online →
Engage Now Africa sensitizes 3,000 students on trafficking dangers
Engage Now Africa and Ensign Global University held a seminar at Suhum Technical Secondary School to educate more than 3,000 students about human trafficking, online exploitation and cybercrime, focusing on how traffickers use fake job ads, fraudulent scholarships and social media scams to target young people.
11 August 2026 · Joy Online →
Over 3,000 students warned about traffickers using fake online jobs
More than 3,000 students at Suhum Technical Secondary School were sensitised to human trafficking threats, with experts warning of fraudulent job advertisements, fake scholarships, and online scams targeting young people via digital platforms.
11 August 2026 · Joy Online →
GIS adopts intelligence-led border security strategy amid transnational threats
The Ghana Immigration Service is transitioning to an intelligence-driven approach to detect and disrupt security threats at Ghana's borders, as criminal networks increasingly exploit technology and irregular migration routes. The shift is part of the 48-month SHIFT Project, implemented in partnership with the International Centre for Migration Policy Development.
11 August 2026 · Joy Online →
Informal peace structures vital for early conflict warning
The National Peace Council says community-based actors including religious leaders and traditional authorities provide early warning information on emerging tensions before formal institutions are aware, citing examples like detection of campaign poster destruction during elections.
11 August 2026 · Joy Online →

Monday 10 August

Thirty-three trafficking victims rescued, some forced to pay GH¢20,000
Ghana's Anti-Human Trafficking Unit rescued 33 girls and young women from trafficking and sexual exploitation in a weekend operation; survivors reported being forced to pay up to GH¢20,000 for their freedom. The operation, supported by child rights organisation Challenging Heights, revealed signs of an organised commercial trafficking network involving recruitment, transportation, and financial targets.
10 August 2026 · Joy Online →

Sunday 9 August

Central Region Rugby Association plans club at Ankaful Prison
The Central Region Rugby Association has begun discussions with the Ghana Prisons Service to establish a rugby club at Ankaful Maximum Security Prison to aid inmate rehabilitation and talent development. The initiative is part of plans for a Central Region Security Services Rugby Championship involving the Prisons Service, Police Service, Fire Service, Immigration Service, and Armed Forces.
9 August 2026 · Joy Online →
Two Port Health officers barred from Accra airport over Yellow Fever Card extortion
Two Port Health officers have been barred from working at Accra International Airport and other GACL-operated airports after they charged a foreign traveller US$40 for a Yellow Fever Card instead of the approved US$20 fee.
9 August 2026 · Joy Online →
Immigration officer transferred over alleged money demand from passenger
A Ghana Immigration Service officer has been transferred from Accra International Airport after appearing in a viral video allegedly demanding money for "breakfast" from a passenger. Two Port Health officers were also barred from working at GACL-operated airports after being found to have extorted money from a foreign traveller seeking a Yellow Fever Card.
9 August 2026 · Joy Online →

Friday 7 August

GACL bans two Port Health officers for airport extortion
Ghana Airports Company Limited has banned two Port Health officers stationed at Accra International Airport's Terminal 3 after they charged a passenger US$40 instead of the approved US$20 fee for a Yellow Fever Card on August 5. The disciplinary action, announced on August 6, is the first enforcement measure following GACL's renewed crackdown on corruption at the country's airports.
7 August 2026 · Daily Guide →
GACL bars two Port Health officers over Yellow Fever Card overcharge
Ghana Airports Company Limited has barred two Port Health officers from working at Accra International Airport and other GACL-managed airports after they charged a passenger US$40 for a Yellow Fever Card instead of the approved US$20 fee on August 5. The action follows GACL's announcement of new anti-extortion measures including mystery shopping, stricter discipline, and a passenger hotline.
7 August 2026 · Joy Online →

Thursday 6 August

GACL launches hotline and mystery shopping against airport extortion
Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) has introduced a dedicated hotline (0542175636) and a "mystery shopping" system to combat extortion by airport personnel. Staff found engaging in extortion will be publicly named and face disciplinary action, including permanent removal from airport work.
6 August 2026 · The Ghanaian Times →

Wednesday 5 August

GACL launches hotline and public shaming to combat airport extortion
Ghana Airports Company Limited has introduced a "name and shame" policy and dedicated hotline (0542175636) to address extortion by airport personnel. Staff found engaging in extortion will be publicly identified, face disciplinary action, and be barred from working at airports.
5 August 2026 · Joy Online →

Tuesday 4 August

Women and girls trafficked, exploited in galamsey communities
Organisations including the International Centre for Safe Migration and Ghana Immigration Service have expressed concern over findings from a study showing women and girls in illegal mining communities are being lured with job promises but subjected to exploitative labour, sexual exploitation, debt bondage, and threats. According to officials, galamsey communities lack adequate security and support services, leaving victims vulnerable.
4 August 2026 · The Ghanaian Times →

Sunday 2 August

Ghana launches €7.3m West Africa border security initiative
Ghana has launched a 48-month regional project backed by €7.3 million in EU funding to strengthen border management and tackle terrorism, violent extremism, and transnational organised crime across West Africa. The SHIFT project will be implemented in Benin, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, and Togo, with Burkina Faso participating in regional-level interventions.
2 August 2026 · Joy Online →

Saturday 1 August

Ghana Boundary Commission visits Nkwanta North border district
The Commissioner-General of the Ghana Boundary Commission visited Nkwanta North District in the Oti Region to assess challenges along the Ghana–Togo international boundary and engage traditional authorities, District Assembly officials, security agencies and border residents on border management, security and socio-economic development.
1 August 2026 · Joy Online →

Friday 31 July

Ghana Boundary Commission assesses Oti border region challenges
The Ghana Boundary Commission completed a five-day operational assessment across Kadjebi District, Nkwanta South Municipality and Nkwanta North District along the Ghana–Togo frontier from July 27 to 31, during which border communities renewed demands for improved roads, healthcare, telecommunications and security.
31 July 2026 · Joy Online →
GIS arrests 17 suspects, rescues 85 trafficking victims in Dawhenya
The Ghana Immigration Service arrested 17 foreign nationals suspected of operating a cyber fraud syndicate and rescued 85 victims of suspected human trafficking during an operation at Dawhenya in Greater Accra. The operation intercepted 102 West African nationals from a property allegedly used as a criminal base; investigators found signs of severe physical abuse among male victims who were forced to live under poor conditions.
31 July 2026 · Joy Online →
Minister warns of digital trafficking scams targeting Ghanaian youth
Ghana's Gender Minister says human traffickers are increasingly using online platforms, fake job ads, and social media to lure vulnerable Ghanaians with false promises of employment and overseas migration. She called for coordinated action by parents, communities, media, and all citizens to combat the shift from traditional to digital trafficking methods.
31 July 2026 · The Ghanaian Times →

Thursday 30 July

Ghana Immigration Service dismantles cyber fraud syndicate in Dawhenya
The Ghana Immigration Service conducted an intelligence-led operation in Dawhenya that intercepted 102 West African nationals, identifying 85 as victims of human trafficking and forced labour, and 17 as suspected members of a cyber fraud syndicate operating illegally in Ghana.
30 July 2026 · Joy Online →
Anti-trafficking forum urges Ghana to shield cybercrime victims from prosecution
An anti-human trafficking forum has called on the Government of Ghana to stop prosecuting victims of trafficking for forced cybercrime, warning that treating them as criminals allows trafficking syndicates to thrive. The forum urged state institutions to adopt a victim-centred approach and ensure that individuals rescued from scam operations are screened as potential trafficking victims before any criminal proceedings.
30 July 2026 · Joy Online →
Ghana Immigration Service meets Zimbabwe defence delegation
The Ghana Immigration Service engaged a 22-member delegation from Zimbabwe's Defence Force Joint Command and Staff Course on border security and regional cooperation. Deputy Comptroller-General Faisal Disu highlighted secure borders as essential to national sovereignty and economic development.
30 July 2026 · Joy Online →