By Hannah Dadzie
The Ghana Immigration Service, GIS, has received some equipment from the European Union, EU, to strengthen its operational capacity.
The items include motorbikes, high-level document verification devices, and forensic magnifiers.
The support is to ensure greater security for citizens and visitors while guaranteeing border management against terrorism, money laundering and child trafficking.
Speaking at the handing over ceremony at GIS Headquarters, the EU Ambassador to Ghana, Irchad Razaaly, said the EU will continue to strengthen its partnership with Ghana in the fight against transitional organized crimes and border security.
“Following the successful conduct of the Accra Initiative Conference, the European Union, EU is delivering on its commitment to enhancing Ghana’s security by donating this equipment to improve the GIS’s capacity. We have acknowledged that no one is immune to terrorism. The European Union is leaving on its promise”.Mr Razaaly
Deputy Minister for Interior, Naana Eyiah, said the continuous support by the EU has enhanced national security strategy and strengthen regional security.
“The European Union has constantly played a big role in ensuring that the Ghana Immigration Service is sufficiently resourced to be able to perform it mandate in securing the country’s borders. We cherish the continuous support and urged others organizations to help in this course. I urged the management of the Ghana Immigration Service to ensure that the equipment are used for its intended purposes”. The Deputy Minister said.
The Comptroller General of the Ghana Immigration Service, Kwame Asua Takyi, said equipment will boost their operations.
“The Ghana Immigration Service extends its appreciation to the European Union for this support. We warmly accept the solidarity by the EU amidst the global economic stress we are all experiencing. This donation will go a long way to help meet the target of providing adequate resources for the service. We are committed to working together in delivering excellence in security and migration management for national development”. Mr. Asua Takyi said.
The EU says in the next phase which is 2023, it will provide laptops, pick-up vehicles, and border patrol equipment with the framework of the Strengthening Border Security project in the country.
