ICMPD Ghana Enhances Border Security with Joint Mobile Teams Training

The International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) Ghana has provided specialized training on the concept and practice of Joint Mobile Teams (JMT) for various border security agencies in the country. The training sessions, conducted in Elubo and Akanu within the Western and Volta regions respectively, are a key component of the Strengthening Border Security (SBS) Project in Ghana.

These workshops are part of a broader initiative aimed at developing, piloting, and validating the Concept and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the JMTs in Ghana. This innovative strategy proposed by ICMPD within the SBS project framework seeks to enhance the effectiveness and coordination among border security agencies.

According to a statement issued by ICMPD and shared with the Ghana News Agency in Accra, the training saw the participation of over 70 national experts and representatives from various border management agencies, including the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS), Ghana Revenue Authority - Customs Division (GRA-CD), National Intelligence Bureau (NIB), Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), and the Ghana Police Service (GPS).

The primary objective of this training was to enhance the capabilities of these agencies in addressing cross-border crimes such as migrant smuggling, human trafficking, and threats related to insecurity and terrorism.

Ms. Iulia Jolley-Socea, Project Manager of the Strengthening Border Security in Ghana Project, emphasized the importance of developing JMTs as a strategy to improve coordination among border management agencies. She highlighted that JMTs bring together the expertise and resources of multiple security agencies, enabling them to tackle border challenges effectively through coordinated patrols, intelligence sharing, and rapid response capabilities. "This empowers them to proactively address threats at the earliest opportunity, safeguarding Ghana’s borders and communities," she stated.

Mr. Tony Mihaitoaia, Border Management Specialist at ICMPD, explained that the concept of joint mobile teams fosters interagency cooperation and builds trust among stakeholders. "This collaborative approach fosters a shared understanding of common goals and challenges, facilitating smoother operations and communication," he said. He further noted that mobile teams could leverage community engagement in border areas to gather valuable intelligence and build strong relationships with local stakeholders.

During the training in Elubo and Akanu, participants were introduced to the JMT Concept and SOPs, providing a framework for joint operations, information sharing, and collaborative efforts in securing Ghana’s borders. The facilitation team also covered critical topics such as human rights in border management, situational awareness, and identifying and addressing human trafficking during JMT operations.

The training included interactive scenario-based exercises and field simulations, allowing participants to practice complex border security scenarios in a hands-on and engaging manner, thereby enhancing their response skills and coordination.

Similar workshops were previously conducted in Northern Ghana in 2022 and 2023. These sessions allowed security personnel to reflect on their performances, identify lessons learned, and offer feedback on the JMT SOPs, thus refining the framework further.

The SBS Project in Ghana is a joint initiative between ICMPD and GIS, funded by the European Union’s Emergency Funding for Africa. This collaborative project aims to boost the capacity of Ghana’s border security agencies, ensuring their long-term sustainability and adherence to human rights and the rule of law. By piloting initiatives such as the JMT, the project underscores ICMPD’s commitment to strengthening Ghana’s border management.

ICMPD is an international organization with 20 Member States and 498 staff members, active in over 90 countries. It adopts a regional approach to foster efficient cooperation and partnerships along migration routes, focusing on priority regions including Africa, Eastern Europe, Central Asia, the Mediterranean, Silk Routes, Western Balkans, and Türkiye.

The SBS Ghana project is a comprehensive initiative aimed at enhancing the country's border security and migration management. Aligned with the government's migration policy, SBS Ghana strives to implement a forward-thinking and sustainable migration management framework to drive national progress and prosperity. The project is designed to strengthen cooperation and coordination among national agencies, academic institutions, and civil society organizations working in the area of migration.

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