The European Union (EU) has donated some motorbikes, bed camps, radio communication devices, microscope cameras to Ghana Immigration Service (GIS).
According to the EU, with this contribution, and forseen trainings and practical exercises, it aims to reinforce GIS in its efforts to secure Ghana’s borders.
Speaking at the brief presentation, EU Ambassador, H.E. Irchad Razaaly said “Motorbikes and bed camps will improve GIS mobility, allowing more effective patrols in remote border areas, and rapid response to incidents. Radio Communication Devices will facilitate coordination, enabling faster response times, and enhancing operational efficiency. Microscope cameras will allow for detailed inspections and forensic analysis”
He added that the delivery of the equipment falls under a (EUR 5M) on Strengthening Border Security, funded by the European Union, and implemented by the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD).
“In an interconnected world, strengthening border management is essential to our collective security. The security situation in the Sahel region poses concrete risks to Ghana, Gulf of Guinea, and even to Europe”
“Let me clear. Today’s delivery is only a small step in a much larger story. It is the latest illustration of a deepening partnership between the European Union and Ghana in the field of security and defence, at a time when West Africa is facing rising challenges.
He added that the EU-Ghana partnership in security and defence is relatively new, but already vibrant.
“Ghana is now home to over 20 EU security-related initiatives, ranging from conflict prevention and dialogue, to last year’s delivery of 105 armored vehicles, making a historical moment in our relationship”
“Another concrete example is the EUR 27M West Africa Police Information System (WAPIS) Programme. WAPIS strengthens law enforcement authorities in the ECOWAS Member States to combat transnational organized crime and terrorism”
“The European Union supported the deployment of 15 WAPIS terminals in Ghana’s Northern Regions, and the delivery of 55 EU-funded additional terminals is underway”
Interior Minister, Henry Quartey said “I am reliably informed that the Ghana Immigration Service is a beneficiary of two projects running concurrently under the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD). First, the Strengthening Border Security in Ghana (SBS, Ghana) project, which is aimed at contributing to reducing irregular migration, by strengthening cooperation at all levels including inter-agency coordination between the Ghanaian border management stakeholders, and with neighbouring countries to enhance border security, develop the human capacity as well as the provision of essential equipment needed by GIS to carry out its duties at the borders in a more effective manner and this is funded by the European Union Trust Fund for Africa”
“I am also informed that, the second project is the Strengthening Border and Migration Management (SMMIG II) project. This project also seeks to support the Service in strengthening its response to irregular migration by enhancing the capacity of Officers to investigate, prosecute, and secure convictions on document fraud and other immigration offences and this is funded by the Danish Government”
He added that donations made under these projects over the years demonstrate a collective resolve by stakeholders in the migration management space to contribute meaningfully to the management of migration in the country and it is appreciated.
“I know the Service has over the years not rested on its oars in the realization of its Vision of becoming a model Immigration Service for Migration Management and National Security. As the first line of defence to the country per its legal mandate, the Ghana Immigration Service has an enormous task and they must be constantly and consistently resourced to deliver on this mandate. The Government will continue to resource the Service to enable it deliver on its mandate but will also welcome assistance in diverse forms to help the Service, as effective and efficient management of migration requires concerted efforts”
“I am happy to receive this donation of motorbikes, document detection devices, radio communication devices and some border patrol equipment on behalf of the Ghana Immigration Service from the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD). You can be assured that the Ghana Immigration as they have always done, will put them to very good use as the Comptroller-General has indicated”
“The motorbikes and the patrol accoutrement being received today will enhance patrols of selected borders, the document fraud detection devices will also enhance document verification processes while the communication equipment will augment existing ones and improve upon information dissemination within the Service”
Comptroller – General of Immigration, Kwame Asuah Takyi said “The International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) under the Strengthening Border Security in Ghana (SBS)Project has with the help of the European Union Trust Fund for Africa, facilitated the donation of several equipment to the Service and I am happy to witness another set of donations under the Project”
“Today we are witnessing the donation of 14 Motorbikes, some document fraud detection equipment, radio communication devices and border patrol equipment. I must say, I am immensely grateful to the European Union for the financial support and ICMDP for facilitating the process”
“The Ghana Immigration Service, over the years, has collaborated with the European Union and selected countries within the European Union to implement very strategic projects to reinforce its strategic position and mandate; strengthen Border Patrols, train frontline officers at national borders and other Command posts, all geared towards effective management of migration in Ghana”
“I recall that during the heat of the COVID-19 pandemic, the SBS Ghana project donated three Toyota Hilux pickups and two Toyota Urvan buses as well as PPEs and offered training on Infection Prevention Control in support of contact tracing and the safety of Officers”
“Again in 2022, the Service received 5 Honda Motorbikes and assorted document fraud detection equipment including 50 Doculus Lumus Forensic Magnifiers, 10 Docuboxes and 5 Docuboxes with Screen under the SBS Ghana Project. The Project has also facilitated the development and finalization of manuals for the Document Fraud Expertise Centre, the development of the Code of Conduct and Reporting Mechanism for the Service, the Training Curriculum and a Contingency Plan for Mass Influx, Health Pandemics and Counter Terrorism”
Mr. Takyi added that, in the area of International Cooperation, the SBS project organized a sub-regional Conference on International Cooperation on Border Management and Security in November, 2021 in which a Communique was signed between Ghana, La Cote d’Ivoire, Togo and Burkina Faso on Border Management and in November, 2023 another sub-regional technical conference on regional cooperation for enhancing resilience and mitigating risks in border management was organized.
“Through all these years, the EU has remained steadfast in its quest to ensure that the Ghana Immigration Service is resourced to an extent to execute its mandate and I am particularly most grateful for this support. Indeed, this donation will go a long way to complement the government’s efforts in resourcing the Service”
“As a Service, we are heartened and committed to work together with relevant stakeholders to ensure that the Service becomes a model Immigration Service for Migration Management and National Security and we will leave no stone unturned in nipping irregular migration in the bud”
“I would like to reiterate my sincere gratitude to the European Union for this generous support. I assure you that, this equipment received would be put to good use. I am also grateful to the International Centre for Migration Policy Development for their support over the years”
Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith