The Ghana government has raised concerns over what it describes as increasing abuses of the ECOWAS Free Movement Protocol, warning that irregular migration, child trafficking, cyber fraud, organised street begging and other criminal activities are posing growing security challenges.
The concerns were highlighted during discussions between the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) and a delegation from the West African Monetary Institute (WAMI) in Accra.
Deputy Comptroller-General of Immigration Faisal Disu warned that Ghana is attracting “bad actors” who exploit the free movement arrangement, adding that proceeds from organised begging networks could potentially be used to finance terrorism.
The meeting also examined challenges in implementing the ECOWAS National Biometric Identity Card, with only Ghana, Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire currently fully operational under the system.
WAMI officials called for stronger regional cooperation, including the creation of a centralised database of ECOWAS citizens to improve border management.
Both institutions stressed the need for greater public awareness on regular migration and the dangers of using unapproved border routes.
The GIS said it will intensify border patrols to protect national security while preserving the benefits of regional integration and free movement within ECOWAS.
