6 Immigration officers interdicted

The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has interdicted six officers for what the service described as gross misconduct.

The interdiction of the six officers followed the circulation of a viral video on social media in which they were seen verbally assaulting a superior officer.

A statement issued by the Head of Public Affairs Department at the GIS, DSI Barbara Sam, explained that the superior officer had been identified as a Deputy Commissioner of Immigration (DCOI).

The GIS said the senior officer was travelling as a passenger on a commercial vehicle when the incident occurred on November 25 this year at the Offinso In-land Checkpoint.

Uncouth act

According to the statement, the behaviour captured in the video marked by verbal assault, lack of civility, and open disrespect toward a superior officer fell far below the standards expected of personnel of the Service.

“Such conduct is unacceptable, particularly given the Service’s continuous emphasis on professionalism and decorum in the handling of travellers and the execution of official duties,” it added.

The GIS also said the actions by the six officers constituted a clear breach of the code of conduct of the service and could not be tolerated.

“The Comptroller-General of Immigration (CGI) has reiterated that professionalism, respect for authority, and integrity remain core values of the Service. Any conduct that undermines these values will be met with swift and decisive action,” the statement added.

Assurance

Again, it said the management of the GIS had initiated investigations into the matter, and appropriate measures would be taken in accordance with the GIS Regulations, 2016 (L.I. 2245).

“The Service regrets any inconvenience and embarrassment caused to the general public and wishes to reassure the citizenry of its unwavering commitment to maintaining the highest standards of discipline, professionalism, and accountability in the discharge of its mandate,” the statement added.