The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has received a significant boost with a generous donation of state-of-the-art information technology and cyber security equipment from the government of Denmark.
The donation, aimed at enhancing the GIS’s capacity to combat irregular migration, includes a wide range of high-tech equipment such as cyber security software, IT infrastructure for LAN/WAN setup, laptops, desktops, CCTV cameras, CCTV monitors, digital cameras, industrial copiers, and IP phones.
The Danish government, through this donation, aims to improve the institutional and operational capabilities of the GIS, particularly in the areas of document fraud detection, strategic planning, and intra-agency coordination.
This support is part of Denmark’s ongoing collaboration with Ghana, which has been in place since 2018, funded through the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD).
One notable project under this collaboration is the Strengthening Border and Migration Management in Ghana (SMMIG II). Amala Obiokoye-Nwalo, the head of the office for ICMPD, highlighted the successes of the first phase of the project, SMMIG I, which included the revamping of the Document Fraud office in Kumasi last year.
This renovation, completed on August 24, 2023, involved a comprehensive overhaul of the facility, including the procurement of office furniture and specialized forensic document verification equipment, significantly enhancing GIS’s ability to combat document fraud.
“Document security is the bedrock of identity management and an important factor in migration governance and security,” Obiokoye-Nwalo noted.
The Comptroller General of GIS, Kwame Asuah Takyi, emphasized the importance of migration governance as a key accelerator of sustainable development.
He called on all stakeholders to support the government’s efforts in reducing irregular migration, highlighting the necessity of collaboration and building lasting relationships to effect meaningful change in migration management.
“Collaboration and building lasting relationships are important for us to effect the change that we envisage in this space,” Takyi stated. “I call on all stakeholders to come on board to help in strengthening the government’s efforts in reducing irregular migration so that both countries of destination and origin will enjoy the benefits of a well-managed migration.”
On behalf of Denmark, Deputy Ambassador to Ghana, Vibeke Sandholm Pedersen, urged the GIS management to ensure that the donated equipment is properly deployed, utilized, and maintained for the benefit of the country.
Representing the government, Deputy Interior Minister Naana Eyiah Quansah expressed gratitude to Denmark and the ICMPD for their continuous support.
“On behalf of the government of Ghana, we convey our gratitude to the Danish Government for their support to the Ghana Immigration Service over the years, and also appreciate the International Centre for Migration Policy Development for facilitating the implementation of the various activities under the Project,” she said.