A delegation from the European Union (EU) in Ghana, led by Mr Ichard Raazly, has paid a courtesy call on the Comptroller-General of Immigration (CGI), Mr Kwame Asuah Takyi, to explore avenues for deepening collaboration with the Service.
He was accompanied by Head Governance and security, Ann Lixi, and Programme Officer, Davide Messina, for a productive exchange discussion aimed at reinforcing mutual cooperation between the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) and the EU.
In a statement signed and issued yesterday in Accra by the Head of Public Affairs of the Service, Mr Michael Amoako-Atta, it said the discussions was primarily focused on strengthening border security given the activities of extremists in the Sahel region, particularly the incessant terrorist incursion in Ghana’s Northern Neighbour.
It said, Mr Razaaly, emphasised the urgent need to provide the GIS with logistical and technical support in order to enhance its operations at the borders, particularly at the northern border.
The statement also said the CGI also expressed appreciation to the EU for the significant support that the Service has received under its leadership.
It added that he conveyed optimism regarding the ongoing collaboration between GIS and the EU, stressing the potential benefits for both parties in addressing common challenges.
Meanwhile, a day’s workshop has been organised by the GIS in collaboration with the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) in Accra, to review and validate a draft training manual to guide officers of the service in investigations.
According to the statement, participants included members of the National Immigration Management Committee (NIMC), officers from the National Headquarters, Greater Accra Regional Headquarters and the Kotoka International Airport Regional Commands.
The Investigative Training Manual, it explained was in line with efforts to achieve the tenets of the Sustainable Development Goal 10.7, which advocates the facilitation of orderly, safe, regular and responsible migration through the implementation of planned and well-managed migration policies.
Moreover, it added that the manual would better equip personnel to investigate and prosecute migration-related offense, thereby enhancing effective and efficient migration management of Ghana.
The statement further said the session which was held in Accra, was part of phase II of the “Strengthening Border and Migration Management in Ghana” (SMMIG) project, funded by the Government of Denmark and implemented by the ICMPD.
BY TIMES REPORTER