Experiences of immigration Officers’ right to security at Aflao border.

Abstract

The study sought to provide empirical evidence on the experiences of Immigration Officers’ right to security at Aflao border. Through the lenses of interpretivism, qualitative approach and phenomenology design were adopted for the study. The employed Lockean Human Right Theory and Securitization Ttheory were adopted as theoretical frameworks to underpin the study. The purposive sampling technique was used to select 12 Immigration Officers for the study. Semi-Structured interview guide was used as the instrument for data collection. Data was analyzed using thematic analysis. The study found that, the Aflao border by nature is a cultural border, has a strategic location, experiences high levels of human mobility and trade activities, has challenging terrain and porous, has approved entry points and characterized by economic and occupational migration. Findings also revealed that, threat to officers’ right to security, infiltration and impersonation, porous borders, threats to officers' lives, lack of understanding of security and support, smuggling of goods, human smuggling and trafficking, lack of infrastructure and equipment and communication constraints were security challenges confronting Immigration Officers at the Aflao border. It came to limelight that due to security challenges at the Aflao border, there was effective collaboration with sister agencies. However, there was lack of cordiality with Togolese officers, revenue loss due to smuggling, fear and panic, ineffective border management, effect on rights to personal security, food security, economic security and environmental security of Immigration officers. The study concludes that, the security challenges confronting immigration officers at the Aflao border are complex and multi-faceted, indicating the importance of safeguarding immigration officers’ rights to security, safety, and well-being. Therefore, the study recommends that, the Ministry of the Interior should improve infrastructure and equipment at the Aflao border to increase border management effectiveness and officers' right to security. Again, the Ghana Immigration Service and the Ministry of Interior should provide more comprehensive training and capacity building programs for immigration personnel that focus on security, human rights, risk assessment, and effective border management.