The Ghana Immigration Service has interdicted six officers after a viral video showed them verbally assaulting a superior officer at the Offinso In-land Checkpoint in the Ashanti Region, officials said Wednesday.
The confrontation, captured by passengers in a commercial vehicle on Nov. 25, showed the officers engaged in what authorities described as “gross misconduct,” including open disrespect and verbal aggression toward a Deputy Commissioner of Immigration who had identified himself while traveling as an ordinary passenger.
In a statement, the Service said the behavior seen in the footage “falls far below the standards expected” of its personnel and undermines ongoing efforts to maintain professionalism at checkpoints across the country. The officers’ actions amounted to a breach of the GIS Code of Conduct, prompting swift administrative action.
“The Comptroller-General of Immigration reiterates that professionalism, respect for authority, and integrity remain core values of the Service,” the statement said. “Any conduct that undermines these values will be met with decisive action.”
All six officers have been interdicted pending further investigation under the Ghana Immigration Service Regulations, 2016 (L.I. 2245). Officials did not immediately release the names of the interdicted personnel.
Authorities say the Service has launched a full inquiry into the circumstances leading up to the confrontation to determine whether additional sanctions or internal reforms may be necessary. The GIS emphasized that disciplinary standards apply at all levels, regardless of location or rank.
The viral video sparked public criticism after circulating widely on social media, raising concerns about discipline at security checkpoints and the treatment of travelers and senior officers.
The Service expressed regret over the incident, acknowledging the “embarrassment and inconvenience” caused to the public. Officials reassured Ghanaians of their commitment to upholding discipline and accountability across the agency’s operations.
Further updates are expected at the conclusion of the investigation, according to the Public Affairs Department.