Contemporary Challenges Associated With Border Security Operations to Promote Socio-Economic Development at Aflao Border in Ghana

Abstract

Purpose: The study investigated challenges associated with border security operations to promote socio-economic development using an integrated border management model at Aflao Border in Ghana. Using a mixed method approach, which is in line with the transformative philosophical underpinning.

Methodology: Both interviews and questionnaires were employed as data collection tools. The population was sampled from four security service institutions manning the operations at Afloa border. Given the premise that border security forces were selected from the four coordinated security forces. The study respectively drew 112 security personnel drawn at random from the Afloa border. Using the sampling ratio proposed by Cochran (1963: 75) to arrive at variability p = 0.5 (maximum variability) and with the desire of 95% confidence level and ±5% precision. The sampled population was composed of 106 border security personnel, and 6 senior border security personnel serving in the hierarchy of the General, Patrol, Intelligence, and Anti-Human Smuggling and Trafficking Units at the borders were interviewed to furnish the qualitative data for this study. The study adopted a descriptive research design using personnel from the Ghana Immigration Service, Customs Division of Ghana Revenue Authority, Ghana Police Service, and Ghana Armed Forces in charge of security at the Aflao border.

Findings: The study concludes that specific challenges which confront the border security apparatus are, in order of priority, inadequate logistics and equipment, inadequate coordination among border officials, and inadequacy of border security personnel.

Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Improve border control, the government should make needed resources available by providing modern equipment/gadgets and logistics for patrol teams and the operations of the security system.