CEASE HARASSMENT OF BORDER RESIDENTS – TORGBI KPAMBI VEDZESU APPEALS TO SECURITY PERSONNEL

…Calls for professionalism, respect for human rights and stronger collaboration between security agencies and border communities

By Leo Nelson

Torgbi Kpambi Vedzesu V, Senior Divisional Chief of Teshie-Aflao has appealed to security personnel operating along Ghana’s borders, particularly in the Aflao border enclave, to desist from acts of harassment, intimidation and unprofessional conduct towards residents, traders and other legitimate users of the border.

He said although the protection of Ghana’s territorial integrity and the enforcement of immigration and customs regulations remain critical responsibilities of the security agencies, such duties must be discharged with professionalism, restraint and respect for the fundamental human rights and dignity of citizens.

Torgbi Kpambi Vedzesu V was addressing a day’s National ECOWAS Citizen Engagement and Sensitization program held at Aflao on Monday, November 9, 2026.

According to him, the presence of security agencies at the country’s entry and exit points is essential to national security, but their operations must not create an atmosphere of fear and hostility among the very communities they are mandated to protect.

Torgbi Kpambi Vedzesu stressed that border residents should be regarded as important partners in the maintenance of peace and security rather than being treated as suspects merely because of their proximity to an international boundary.

He observed that residents of border communities face peculiar socio-economic challenges, with many depending on cross-border trade, farming, fishing, transportation and other small-scale commercial activities for their livelihoods.

He therefore cautioned that excessive harassment, arbitrary restrictions, intimidation and alleged extortion could undermine economic activities, discourage legitimate trade and deepen mistrust between local communities and security personnel.

The traditional leader noted that for many residents of Aflao and neighbouring communities, crossing the border is part of their daily economic and social activities. He said security operations should consequently take into consideration the realities of border life while ensuring that the laws of Ghana are respected.

SECURITY AND HUMAN RIGHTS MUST GO TOGETHER

Torgbi Kpambi Vedzesu maintained that national security and respect for human rights are not mutually exclusive, insisting that security personnel can effectively protect the country’s borders without subjecting innocent residents to unnecessary difficulties.

He urged officers to exercise patience, courtesy and fairness in their dealings with the public, particularly women traders, the elderly, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups who frequently use the border.

He further called on the leadership of the various security agencies to strengthen supervision and accountability mechanisms to address complaints of misconduct and ensure that officers who violate established professional standards are appropriately dealt with.

He emphasised that where individuals are suspected of committing offences, established legal procedures must be followed rather than resorting to intimidation, threats or other forms of treatment that undermine human dignity.

BORDER RESIDENTS ARE PARTNERS IN SECURITY

The traditional leader also called for stronger collaboration between security agencies, traditional authorities, municipal authorities, civil society organisations and residents to address security challenges confronting border communities.

He argued that local residents possess valuable information about developments within their communities and could serve as reliable partners in identifying suspicious activities, preventing crime, combating smuggling and addressing other cross-border security threats.

However, he warned that such cooperation could be difficult to achieve where residents feel intimidated, victimised or alienated by the conduct of officers.

He therefore encouraged security agencies to establish accessible channels through which residents could report misconduct, seek clarification on border regulations and have their grievances addressed without fear of victimisation.

He also called for regular stakeholder engagements to promote mutual understanding, improve communication and resolve disagreements before they escalate into confrontations.

GOVERNMENT URGED TO ADDRESS BORDER COMMUNITY CHALLENGES

Torgbi Kpambi Vedzesu further appealed to the government to pay greater attention to the developmental and infrastructural challenges confronting border communities.

He noted that poor road networks, inadequate social amenities, unemployment, limited economic opportunities and other infrastructural deficits continue to affect the livelihoods of residents.

He said addressing these challenges would not only improve living conditions but also strengthen community resilience and contribute to effective border management.

He called for improved working conditions for security personnel, including adequate logistics, accommodation and modern equipment, arguing that officers must also be provided with the necessary resources to perform their duties effectively.

He maintained that improving the welfare and operational capacity of security personnel, alongside strengthening accountability, would contribute to a more professional and people-centred approach to border security.

A CALL FOR MUTUAL RESPECT

The traditional leader reiterated that the relationship between border residents and security agencies should be built on mutual respect, trust and cooperation.

He urged residents to cooperate with lawful security operations, respect border regulations and promptly report suspicious activities, while appealing to security personnel to avoid actions that could portray their presence as a burden rather than a source of protection.

He stressed that the border must remain a place where national security is protected, legitimate economic activities are facilitated and the rights of ordinary citizens are respected.

He concluded by calling on the leadership of the security agencies to take the concerns of border residents seriously and ensure that every officer deployed to the border understands that professionalism, discipline and respect for human dignity are essential components of effective security administration.

“Border security should not come at the expense of the dignity and legitimate rights of the people who live and work in our border communities. We need security personnel who protect the people, respect the people and work together with the people to safeguard our borders.