Working Together for Safer, More Secure Borders

Published

Source: US Embassy Accra, 24 Mar 14

Participants engage in a practical exercise at the Port of Tema, Ghana

The U.S. Embassy in Ghana in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection and regional law enforcement officials have concluded a week long international border and interdiction training with participants from Ghana, Benin, Niger, Nigeria and Togo.

In an effort to impart hands-on practical experience implementing strategies to deter drug smuggling and customs avoidance, participants visited the Ghana – Togo border in Aflao, and conducted vehicle inspections on the Ghana side of the border. The training furthered partnership and information exchange with West African counterpart law enforcement agencies by sharing and reinforcing inspection techniques and methodologies.

Ambassador Cretz praised the training noting, “Secure and efficient borders are essential for stable democracies seeking to increase regional trade to expand economic growth.”

The course was hosted by the West Africa Regional Training Center in Accra which trained over 500 law enforcement and security officers in 2013 and which will offer 17 law enforcement courses in 2014 for an estimated 680 West African officials.