Story by Eugene Nyarko Jnr. | GIS Headquarters, Accra | November 6, 2025
More than 150 foreign nationals involved in human trafficking and cyber fraud have been arrested over the past four months in a joint security operation led by the Ghana Police Service, the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS), and the Cyber Security Authority (CSA).
The Director-General of the CSA, Mr. Divine Selase Agbeti, disclosed that several traffickers had been prosecuted while victims were rescued and repatriated through the support of the Immigration Service.
Speaking at this year’s National Cyber Security Awareness Engagement with the GIS in Accra, held under the theme “Building a Safe, Informed and Accountable Digital Space,” Mr. Agbeti warned the public against falling prey to online scams and fake job recruitment offers, often falsely attributed to public institutions.
“No official from the Immigration Service, the Presidency, or Parliament will contact you on social media to offer jobs for money. Stay alert; these are traps by cybercriminals,” he cautioned.
Mr. Agbeti commended the GIS for its continued collaboration in combating cyber-enabled crimes and safeguarding national security.
The Deputy Comptroller-General of Immigration (Operations and Command Post), Mr. Loud Ofori Affrifa, reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to strengthening border security through advanced digital systems and enhanced cyber resilience.
He explained that the GIS had adopted the sub-theme “Securing Ghana’s Borders in the Digital Age” to reflect its growing role in protecting both the country’s physical and digital frontiers.
“In today’s interconnected world, national security can no longer be confined to physical boundaries. Criminals now exploit technology to commit crimes such as human trafficking and money laundering. The strength of a nation increasingly depends on how well it protects its digital frontiers,” Mr. Affrifa stressed.
Highlighting progress made, he mentioned the deployment of key digital systems, including the Personal Identification and Secure Evaluation System (PISES), the Migration Information and Data Analysis System (MIDAS), and the Border Permit Management System, which have improved data accuracy, operational efficiency, and intelligence coordination.
Mr. Affrifa also announced the establishment of a dedicated GIS Cybersecurity Unit, supported by the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), to bolster internal resilience.
He further revealed the rollout of the Integrated Intelligence Infrastructure Project, which involves installing 50 anti-ballistic turbines equipped with drone surveillance software in the northern sector.
“Our training teams are currently being equipped in drone piloting to enhance intelligence gathering. This initiative underscores how critical cybersecurity has become to our border operations,” he added.
The Deputy Comptroller of Immigration (Legal), Mr. Peter Philip Andor, drew attention to the growing link between cybercrime and irregular migration, explaining that many trafficking victims are deceived through online job scams.
He urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious gatherings of foreigners or unusual digital activities within their communities.
