Immigration Officers told to resist bribes

Personnel of the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) have been told to resist enticements by the public to bend the rules in their favour. Mr Matthias Homey, Assistant Director of Immigration in charge of Aflao, gave the caution in an apparent reference to a recent video clip capturing border operatives supposedly in acts of extortion. He was addressing the end-of-year party for personnel of the Service in the Aflao sector on Friday. "The year 2010 has started with the media setting an eagle eye on the Aflao border post and I urge you all to be careful and to deliver your duty with the highest decorum," he stated. Mr Homey warned that he would not countenance any unprofessional conduct and would strictly apply the stipulated sanctions when the need arose. He asked the public to report the misconduct of any officer "as they would not be spared the rod of justice". Mr Homey appealed to traditional rulers and other stakeholders to counsel the youth against aiding illegal migrants, posing as security operatives along unapproved routes and engaging in smuggling. Mr Francis Pobi, Assistant Director of Immigration in charge of the Volta Region, said measures were in place to address the logistic and accommodation problems facing the officers. Deserving personnel received certificates and electrical appliances as awards for their exemplary service.