Immigration launches Code of Conduct and reporting mechanism
By Selorm GBORBIDZI, Accra
The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) yesterday launched a code of conduct and reporting mechanism for its officers.
The code of conduct will set out the framework within which Immigration Officials will interact with the civilian population, whether local or foreign, while the reporting mechanism will detail how members of the public can report misconduct by the GIS officials.
The Comptroller-General of the Ghana Immigration Service, Kwame Asuah-Takyi, described the launch as “significant milestone” noting that the Code of conduct will ensure discipline among all Officers and curb unethical behaviour in the service. It will also improve the perception of corruption in the Service in the eyes of the public.
He noted that the respect for the law and ethics is the mark of “professionalism”, and the GSS is no different in this regard, saying that “our responsibilities as Officers enjoins us to demonstrate integrity, transparency and accountability.”
This the Comptroller-General said was visibly demonstrated when 27 Immigration Officers were interdicted, about two weeks ago, for their alleged involvement in recruitment and/or visa fraud among other offences.
He promised that more of such corrupt elements will be fished out of the service.
Asuah-Takyi assured that the Service has the necessary structures in place for the effective implementation of the Code.
He promised that public campaign drive would be embarked upon by the Service to educate the public on the new code and the reporting mechanism.
The Minister of Interior, Ambrose Dery, in a speech read on his behalf by the Chief Director of the Ministry, Adelaid Annor-Kumi, said “a well-written Code of Conduct clarifies an organization’s vision, mission, values and principles, linking them with standards of professional conduct. The code articulates the values the organization wishes to foster in its leaders and employees and in doing so, defines desired behaviour.”
He stated that “absence of a Code of Conduct and reporting Mechanism in an institution serves as a fertile ground nurturing corrupt practices which is a drawback in the management of public finances.”
Dery further noted that this perception alone in an institution leads to the general lowering of morale and trust among the public.
This perceived ‘corruption’ becomes a more dangerous factor when an institution is expanding in terms of the growth and the expansion of its resources.”
“The adoption of this Code of Conduct would be instrumental in promoting integrity, openness and transparency, among Officers of the Ghana Immigration Service, sending a strong signal that the Ghana Immigration Service is committed to adhering to the highest standards of integrity and that ethical behaviour is expected from all Officers,” the Minister concluded.
The Head of Governance and Security of the European Union (EU) Delegation to Ghana, who provided financial support for the project, Anna Lixi, said, the EU has been working with the GIS to strengthen the capacity of the Service, especially in the management of border security, joint patrols, and in the area of accountability.
This is as part of the EU’s recognition of the crucial role that a well-functioning Immigration Service plays in upholding the principles of transparency and accountability.
