The government has commenced the construction of eight new regional offices for the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) as part of efforts to strengthen border security, improve operational efficiency and enhance the welfare of immigration personnel.

The Minister for the Interior, Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka, announced the initiative during the opening of the Ghana Immigration Service’s five-day Regional Commanders’ Conference in Accra.

He disclosed that work on the projects is progressing steadily and expressed confidence that the new facilities would be completed and ready for use within the next six to ten months.

According to the Minister, the regional offices are being built simultaneously in the Volta, Ashanti, Tema, Western, Bono (Sunyani), Central and Savannah regions to address longstanding infrastructure deficits within the Service.

“We have started vigorous construction of eight regional offices simultaneously, and each of them is at various stages of completion. Our target is that in the next six to eight months, and in the worst-case scenario about ten months, we want to get all of them operational and ready for use,” Mr Muntaka said.

The Interior Minister also announced that the government is in the process of procuring about 20 armoured vehicles to strengthen immigration operations, particularly in high-risk and difficult-to-access border areas.

In addition, he revealed that 45 prefabricated accommodation units for immigration officers stationed across the five northern regions are nearing completion. The housing project is expected to improve the welfare and operational preparedness of officers serving in those areas.

Mr Muntaka urged Regional Commanders to maintain high standards of discipline, professionalism and teamwork in carrying out their responsibilities.

He stressed that effective coordination among personnel is essential to improving the performance of the Ghana Immigration Service and safeguarding the country’s borders against evolving security threats.