Ghana has a serious problem at its borders, and it is one the government can no longer afford to ignore.
The revelation that 36 of the country’s 48 legitimate border crossing points lack electronic systems for capturing migrant data raises important questions about how effectively the country monitors the movement of people across its territory.
The Minister of the Interior, Mr Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, who disclosed this at the official launch of the IOM Ghana Strategic Plan 2026-2028 in Accra yesterday, said only 12 crossing points have electronic data-capture systems.
Six are supported by the United States government and the other six by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM).
That leaves most of Ghana’s recognised crossing points without the technology needed to keep proper records of cross-border movements. The consequences could be serious, not only for national security but also for migration management and development planning.
Our borders serve many purposes. They facilitate trade, tourism, employment and movement among neighbouring countries.
Thousands of people cross them for legitimate reasons every day. But when authorities cannot adequately track these movements, they risk losing sight of activities that may threaten the country’s security.
Human trafficking, smuggling and other cross-border crimes thrive where monitoring is weak.
The authorities need reliable information to identify suspicious movements, detect emerging threats and respond appropriately.
Without it, much of the country’s border management will depend on incomplete records and guesswork.
The Ghanaian Times welcomes the government’s decision to explore locally developed systems to cover the remaining 36 crossing points.
However, this must not end as another policy announcement.
The government must commit the necessary resources and set a firm timetable for implementation.
There is also a need to look beyond the purchase and installation of equipment.
Electronic systems require reliable internet connectivity, regular maintenance, trained personnel and adequate technical support.
They must also be linked in a way that allows relevant agencies to share information and respond quickly when necessary.
At the same time, the collection of migrant data must be handled responsibly.
The privacy and rights of travellers must be protected, and personal information must not be exposed to misuse or unauthorised access.
Strong border security and respect for human rights must go hand in hand.
The launch of the IOM Ghana Strategic Plan 2026-2028 offers an opportunity to address some of these concerns.
Its focus on protecting migrants, finding solutions to displacement and creating safe and regular migration pathways is important.
But, as the IOM Regional Director for West and Central Africa, Mrs Sylvia Ekra, pointed out, launching a strategy is not an achievement in itself. The real test is whether it delivers results.
We agree. Ghana needs more than well-written plans and speeches. It needs functioning systems, properly equipped border posts and officers who have the tools to do their jobs.
Parliament must also take an interest in the matter and demand regular reports on the government’s progress.
The IOM and other development partners can provide valuable support, but the primary responsibility for securing Ghana’s borders rests with the government.
As the IOM approaches 40 years of partnership with Ghana in 2027, there is an opportunity to take stock of what has been achieved and what remains to be done.
The government must not allow this opportunity to pass.
It should move quickly to equip all 48 legitimate crossing points with effective electronic data-capture systems and ensure that they remain operational.
Leaving 36 crossing points without adequate electronic data systems is a risk Ghana should not take.
Our borders must be properly monitored, not merely marked on a map. The government must act now.