The Ghana Immigration Service has reported a significant surge in revenue, generating over GH¢546 million within a year under Comptroller-General Samuel Basintale Amadu.
The performance reflects what the Service describes as a “renewed national drive toward stronger border security, operational efficiency and institutional reform.”
According to an official release signed by Maud Anima Quainoo, the gains follow reforms introduced since March 2025, particularly in visa and permit processing.
Digital reforms drive revenue surge
The Service attributed the revenue increase largely to digitalisation and automation. Over the period, a total of 186,959 permits and visas were processed, marking a 32.5% rise compared to the previous year.
“Over the past year, GIS generated more than GH¢546 million in revenue, largely driven by reforms in visa and permit processing,” the statement said, adding that investments in digital systems have “significantly reduced processing times and enhanced transparency.”
Additionally, more than 2.8 million passenger movements were handled across Ghana’s borders without major incidents, supporting tourism and investment flows.
Beyond revenue, the Service reported major progress in enforcement and intelligence-led operations. Coordinated efforts led to seizures of contraband, including smuggled cocoa, narcotics, and ammunition.
The GIS disclosed that over 1,400 bags and jerrycans of cocoa beans, nearly 1,400 packs of Tramadol, and 725 cartridges of ammunition were intercepted during the period.
A total of 909 individuals were stopped at entry points, while over 7,200 inspections resulted in 3,533 arrests for immigration-related offences.
Institutional reforms and global partnerships
The Service also highlighted improvements in institutional capacity, noting that 666 intelligence requests were processed in collaboration with partner agencies. It recorded 28 convictions out of 29 prosecuted cases, underscoring its strengthened legal enforcement.
The Document Fraud Expertise Centre reviewed 932 cases, with more than one-third confirmed as fraudulent.
Infrastructure expansion is ongoing across major cities including Tema, Kumasi, Tamale, Sunyani, Cape Coast and Sekondi-Takoradi to improve operational efficiency nationwide.
The GIS further strengthened partnerships with international bodies such as the International Organization for Migration and the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Centre.
“The past year has repositioned the Service as a more responsive, technology-driven, and intelligence-led institution,” the release noted, expressing confidence that current reforms provide “a strong foundation for the future.”
Looking ahead, the Service is advancing reforms under Project SECOBOR (Secure Our Borders), a public-private partnership aimed at enhancing surveillance and logistics.
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