Honoring Valor in the Face of Adversity: Promotions for Six Junior Officers of the Ghana Immigration Service
In a commendable display of commitment and patriotism, six junior officers of the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) have recently been promoted for their extraordinary efforts in combating the challenges posed by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Their bravery and integrity not only highlight their dedication but also embody the spirit of service that the GIS is keen to uphold.
Bravery in the Face of Corruption
Five of the promoted officers, serving under the Northern Regional Immigration Command (NRIC), showcased remarkable integrity by rejecting a GH¢1,900 bribe. This tempting offer came from a group of 19 Burkinabes attempting to gain illegal entry into Ghana. Rather than succumbing to financial temptation, these officers chose to act in favor of law and order, underscoring the GIS’s priority in preventing illegal immigration during the pandemic.
The officers involved in this commendable act of patriotism are Assistant Inspector Lukman Tea Salifu; Immigration Control Officers (ICO) Christian Kobla Kekeli Zilevu and Robert Ahiatrogah; as well as Assistant Immigration Control Officers Grade II (AICO II) Eric Kobby Kpogo and Isaac Armah. Their decisive actions not only protected the nation’s borders but also preserved the integrity of the immigration system amid a global health crisis.
A Hero’s Sacrifice
In a separate incident, another officer distinguished himself in the line of duty. ICO Lawrence Appiah Marfo, assigned to the Kasoa District Command, sustained gunshot wounds while pursuing smugglers at the Hamile border post during an operation dubbed “Operation Conquered Fist.” His brave pursuit of illicit activities underlines the risks that officers often face in their quest to ensure national security.
Fortunately, Marfo is currently reported to be in stable condition, receiving the necessary care and support as he recovers from his injuries. His sacrifice serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers involved in immigration enforcement, particularly during a time when smuggling and other illicit activities often resurface in times of crisis.
Recognition and Promotion
The promotions granted to these six officers were announced through a statement from Superintendent Michael Amoako-Atta, the GIS Head of Public Affairs, and were officially initiated by the Comptroller-General of Immigration, Kwame Asuah Takyi. Effective from May 8, this recognition was made in accordance with Regulation 17(1) (d) of the Immigration Service Regulations of 2016, Legislative Instrument 2245.
The officers are set to be decorated with their new ranks at their respective commands, a gesture that showcases not only their individual achievements but also the collective ethos of a service committed to upholding the rule of law.
A Commitment to Safety and Security
The statement released by the GIS further emphasized their unwavering commitment to the ongoing fight against COVID-19. On May 3, the five officers acted decisively by apprehending the 19 Burkinabes at the Savelugu inland immigration checkpoint, where they had unlawfully entered Ghana via unauthorized routes. Their actions prevented potential breaches of health regulations and highlighted the importance of vigilance at national borders.
In the aftermath of these incidents, the repatriation of the Burkinabes to their home country was promptly carried out, reinforcing the message that the GIS remains on high alert and active in its duties. Through such efforts, the agency continues to assert its commitment to maintaining order during a tumultuous time.
By spotlighting the valor and integrity of these officers, the Ghana Immigration Service not only honors their sacrifices but also reinforces the significance of dedication to duty in the face of formidable challenges. The narratives of these six officers serve as inspirations, not only within the GIS but throughout society, emphasizing the critical role that individual actions play in safeguarding national interests during times of crisis.
