West African Nations Enhance Cooperation to Combat Cross-Border Crime

Accra:West African nations are urged to deepen cooperation and coordination to tackle the rising threat of transnational organized crime and enhance security across the region, stated Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, the Minister for the Interior. According to Ghana Web, the Minister emphasized the need for stronger collaboration to improve border management and ensure safe, orderly, and regular migration. He highlighted that coordinated efforts, improved infrastructure, and sufficient logistics are crucial for addressing common security and migration challenges and for building resilience in border communities. The Minister's comments were delivered in a speech by Freda Agyei Asare, the Director of the Ghana Immigration Service, at the opening of a regional workshop in Accra. This workshop focuses on cross-border cooperation frameworks and is part of the EU-funded SHIFT project, implemented by the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD). Asare noted that while countries in the region have l egal and policy frameworks for their borders, enhanced bilateral and multilateral cooperation is essential for better outcomes. The workshop allows representatives from Benin, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, and Togo to exchange experiences and adopt best practices in border management. She encouraged participants to translate discussions into actions that strengthen peace and security in border communities. Monica Zanette, Head of the ICMPD, called for ongoing dialogue, trust, and coordination among West African countries to enhance cross-border cooperation and border management. She noted that effective border management requires collaboration within institutions, among agencies, and across countries to secure borders while facilitating legitimate movement and trade. Jonas Claes, Deputy Ambassador of the EU Delegation to Ghana, also emphasized the need for stronger cooperation to combat transnational organized crime and improve border security. He mentioned that effective border management is crucial for addressing human trafficking, illicit arms and drug trafficking, and other criminal activities. The SHIFT project, valued at £7 million, aims to complement national efforts in strengthening border management and promoting regional integration. Faisal Disu, Deputy Comptroller-General of Operations and Command Post of the GIS, highlighted the importance of coordinated border management in addressing emerging security threats. He stressed that greater collaboration among countries is necessary to combat terrorism, violent extremism, and transnational organized crime, while also facilitating legitimate cross-border movement and economic growth. Disu urged participating countries to deepen cooperation and strengthen mechanisms for joint action in managing their borders.