By Leo Nelson
Senior Divisional Chief of Teshie-Aflao and Warlord (Awadada) of the Aflao Traditional Area, Torgbi Kpambi Vedzesu V, is appealing to the government to urgently provide decent accommodation for security personnel stationed at Aflao to enhance their welfare and improve border security operations.
According to the traditional ruler, the poor housing conditions under which some security officers operate at the country’s eastern frontier pose significant challenges to their effectiveness and morale. He noted that officers serving at the border play a critical role in safeguarding national security and facilitating lawful trade and movement between Ghana and neighboring Togo, and therefore deserve better living conditions.
Torgbi Kpambi Vedzesu V made the appeal in an interview with The New Republic at Aflao.
The Warlord of Aflao expressed concern that many personnel of the various security agencies, including the Ghana Immigration Service, Ghana Police Service, Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority, and other allied agencies, continue to face accommodation challenges despite the strategic importance of the border town.
“Security officers stationed at Aflao work tirelessly under difficult circumstances to protect our borders and maintain peace and order. It is only fair that government provides them with decent accommodation to enable them perform their duties effectively,” he stated.
The traditional leader emphasized that improving the welfare of security personnel would not only boost their morale but also strengthen efforts to combat transnational crimes such as smuggling, human trafficking, drug trafficking, and illegal migration along the border corridor.
He further noted that Aflao remains one of Ghana’s busiest entry and exit points, handling thousands of travelers and significant volumes of trade daily. As such, he said, the security agencies operating in the area require adequate logistical support, including housing, transportation, and modern equipment.
Torgbi Kpambi Vedzesu V commended the security services for their dedication and sacrifices in maintaining peace within the municipality and safeguarding the nation’s borders. He urged the government, development partners, and relevant institutions to prioritize investment in residential facilities for security personnel in border communities.
Residents and stakeholders who shared similar concerns argued that providing suitable accommodation would reduce the burden on officers who often travel long distances or rent private residences at considerable cost.
They believe improved welfare conditions would ultimately contribute to more effective security management and enhance public safety.
The appeal comes amid growing calls for increased investment in border infrastructure and security as Ghana continues efforts to strengthen surveillance and combat cross-border criminal activities.
Security Officials stationed at Aflao, one of Ghana’s busiest and prominent frontiers have had to grapple with accommodation problems with many of them renting living spaces within the community, sometimes compromising their work. Dilapidated housing units often disrupt and frustrate their work raising concerns about their safety and mandate in safeguarding the country’s eastern frontier, a situation concerned residents have always described as a sight for sore eyes.