The German Embassy yesterday donated items worth GH¢1, 866,357 to the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) to support the logistical needs of the service.
The items comprising a transportation van and 3,000 flashlights were in furtherance of the mutual partnership between the governments of Ghana and Germany through the German Federal Police.
Handing over the items, the German Ambassador to Ghana, Mr Daniel Krull, said that the donation was part of Germany’s commitment to supporting Ghana’s security agencies in their fight against violent extremism and other security challenges.
He said the transportation van was equipped with modern tools and equipment to enable the GIS to maintain its vehicles in the Northern Region, where mobility was critical in responding to security challenges.
Mr Krull also indicated that the flashlights were intended to support and enhance the night checks and patrols conducted by GIS personnel, particularly in lowlight environments.
“The transportation van and flashlights are intended to support the GIS in their daily operations, particularly in the Northern Region. We believe that a strong and effective immigration service is crucial in safeguarding democracy and stability in Ghana and the region,” he said.
Receiving the items, the Deputy Minister for the Interior, Mrs Naana Eyiah Quansah, expressed gratitude to the German government for the kind gesture, which she said would significantly enhance the operational capabilities of the GIS.
She stressed the need for prudent management and utilisation of the items by the GIS in a manner that aligned with its intended purpose.
The Comptroller-General of Immigration, Mr Kwame Asuah Takyi, acknowledged the challenges faced by the GIS in executing its mandate due to inadequate resources and underscored the importance of support of external stakeholders in effective migration management.
“As I always say, effective migration management is a global challenge that requires a collective effort. We cannot do it alone, and we are grateful for the partnerships that make our work possible,” he said.
BY AGNES OWUSU
