Ghana Immigration Service bolsters Cybersecurity with Danish-Funded equipment

In a significant move to enhance the security infrastructure of Ghana's borders, the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) received a substantial donation of IT and cybersecurity equipment.

The handover ceremony, held in Accra, was attended by Deputy Minister of Interior, Naana Eyiah Quansah (MP), who expressed government's gratitude for the support extended by the Danish Government.

The provision of this equipment falls under the Strengthening Border and Migration Management in Ghana (SMMIG II) Project, a collaborative effort between the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) and GIS, funded by the Danish Government.

In her address, Deputy Minister Quansah highlighted the growing challenges faced by security services worldwide, including cyber threats, cybercrime, espionage, and other malicious activities.

She stressed the importance of robust cybersecurity measures to protect national security and economic stability, emphasizing that "cybersecurity is no longer a peripheral concern but a core aspect of our operations."

Madam Quansah noted that the equipment provided would enhance GIS’s capabilities in several key areas: investigation, prosecution, intelligence gathering, effective monitoring, and cybersecurity.

"Border management systems, databases, and communication networks are all vulnerable to cyber-attacks. The potential consequences are severe, including compromised national security, data breaches, and disruption of services," she said.

The Deputy Minister praised the ICMPD for facilitating the project's various activities and reiterated the Ghanaian government's appreciation for the Danish Government's ongoing support.

She expressed confidence that the donated equipment would be put to good use, supplementing existing resources and significantly boosting GIS’s operational effectiveness.

"This project, among other equally important interventions, has also offered to assist the Service to address its cybersecurity challenges," Madam Quansah stated.

She called upon other organizations to follow the example set by the Danish Government in supporting the efforts of the GIS.

The Deputy Interior Minister concluded her remarks with a call to all stakeholders in the migration management space to collaborate with the GIS in their mission to manage migration and enhance national security.

"It is my hope that the gesture demonstrated today will inspire other organizations to support the efforts of the Ghana Immigration Service in securing and protecting the borders of the country," she urged.

The event marks a significant step forward in Ghana's efforts to modernize its border security measures and protect against the evolving landscape of cyber threats.

The collaboration between the Ghanaian and Danish governments, facilitated by the ICMPD, exemplifies the importance of international cooperation in addressing global security challenges.

On her part, Deputy Head of Mission and Head of Cooperation at the E, Sandholm Pedersen, emphasized the importance of legal enhancements and strategic support in fortifying the Ghana Immigration Service's (GIS) ability to combat migration-related offenses.

Ms. Pedersen outlined several key contributions aimed at improving the operational efficiency and responsiveness of the GIS.

The Deputy Head of Mission noted that the bolstering of legal frameworks is essential for the GIS to effectively investigate and prosecute crimes associated with migration.

"Legal characteristics will strengthen the GIS capacity to investigate and prosecute migration-related offenses, serving as a deterrent to potential perpetrators," she stated.

This emphasis on legal fortification is seen as a critical measure to curb illegal activities and enhance the rule of law within the migration sector.

Furthermore, Ms. Pedersen highlighted the significant impact of the training and equipment provided to the Intelligence Department.

This support, she disclosed is designed to enhance intelligence-gathering capabilities, allowing for better analysis and dissemination of information.

"The training and equipment support to the Intelligence Department will help in intelligence-gathering, analysis, and dissemination, enhancing GIS responsiveness to risk and threat," she remarked.

She hinted that the initiative aims to equip GIS personnel with the necessary tools and knowledge to address emerging risks and threats more effectively.

In addition to the advancements in intelligence operations, Pedersen pointed to the donation of a computer to the Policy Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation Department.

"This technology will play a pivotal role in overseeing the new seven-year strategic plan and its accompanying action plans"

"The computer donated to the Policy Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation Department will facilitate the monitoring of the new seven-year strategic plan and accompanying action plans also developed under this project," she explained.

The strategic plan is expected to guide the GIS in achieving its long-term objectives and improving overall service delivery.

Ms. Pedersen urged the management of the GIS to ensure the optimal use and maintenance of the donated equipment.

"I urge the management of the GIS to ensure that the donated equipment provided by the project is properly deployed, utilized, and maintained for the benefit of the Ghana Immigration Service and Ghana as a whole," she said.

The call to action underscores the importance of sustainability and responsible management in maximizing the benefits of the support provided.

She also extended her gratitude to the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), the implementing partner of the project.

"Thank you all for your presence, and last but not least, thank you to our implementing partner, the ICMPD," she concluded.

Taking her turn, Madam, Amala Obiokoye-Nwalor, ICMPD Head of Office in Ghana, highlighted the project's achievements since its inception in 2018.

The SMMIG project has aimed to enhance the capacity of GIS in several critical areas, including combatting document fraud, intelligence gathering and analysis, and cybersecurity.

These efforts are further supported by the development of the GIS 2023-2029 Strategic Plan and the revision of existing Standard Operating Procedures.

Madm Obiokoye-Nwalor emphasized the importance of pairing improved knowledge with essential tools and equipment.

The newly provided equipment will support GIS officers across the country's 19 administrative regions, particularly those trained in intelligence, investigations, and prosecutions.

Notably, the project has also helped establish a cybersecurity unit within the GIS, equipped with state-of-the-art detection and protection solutions.

The ICMPD's previous contributions include the revamping of the Document Fraud office in Kumasi, completed in August 2023.

This overhaul included new office furniture and specialized forensic document verification equipment, enhancing GIS's capability to combat document fraud, especially at the new Kumasi International Airport.

Madam Obiokoye-Nwalor underscored ICMPD's commitment to promoting humane, orderly, and safe migration.

She commended the GIS leadership for their dedication to reform and thanked the Government of Denmark for funding the SMMIG project.

"The development potentials of migration are vast if managed humanely and orderly," she said.

"Supporting the Ghana Immigration Service in its mandate to secure borders and enforce migration laws is of utmost importance to ICMPD."

In his remarks, the Comptroller-General of Immigration, Kwame Asuah Takyi expressed gratitude for the continued support from the ICMPD and the Danish Government.

He highlighted that the project has significantly strengthened the GIS's institutional and operational capacities to manage irregular migration flows.

"The SMMIG II Project has been instrumental in enhancing our ability to combat irregular migration. It has enabled the establishment of a document fraud office in the Ashanti region, strengthened our legal department, and developed our strategic plans for 2023-2029," the Comptroller-General said.

He noted that the project has also provided extensive training for GIS officers in cybersecurity, investigations, prosecutions, and intelligence.

This includes training 30 prosecutors, 30 investigators, and 25 intelligence officers, as well as facilitating a study visit to the Czech Republic for ten officers.

"The donations we have received, including the equipment handed over today, demonstrate the Danish Government's commitment to effective migration management in Ghana. We assure you that these resources will be put to good use," he added.

The Comptroller-General concluded by emphasizing the importance of collaboration among stakeholders to enhance migration governance and achieve sustainable development goals.

He called for continued support in reducing irregular migration, benefiting both countries of origin and destination.

"Migration governance is a key accelerator of sustainable development. We must work together to achieve the change we envision in this space," he stated.

The ceremony marks another milestone in the ongoing efforts to strengthen Ghana's immigration and border management capabilities.

Below are the Software and Cybersecurity Equipment donated by the Danish Government to the Ghana Immigration Service:

1. Microsoft Office 2021 License Suite - Standard Volume Software (Cybersecurity Unit, HQ) for 50 users.

2. IDS and IPS (Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems) - Cortex XDR/SOPHOS UTM Firewall for monitoring devices for security threats.

3. Endpoint Central - Device and Patch Software Management Solutions for Workstations and Servers (CROWDSTRIKE NEXT GEN SIEM) for 50 users.

4. Nessus (Vulnerability Assessment Tools) - Nessus Trip Wire for vulnerability assessment by cybersecurity analysts.

5. Windows Server 2021 - Equipment for Windows Server 2022 (16 core).

6. Windows Server CAL - Equipment for Windows Server CAL for 100 users.

Computer and IT Equipment

7. Laptops - 2 units for general use.

8. Desktops (All-in-One) - 4 units for enhanced computing needs.

9. Multifunctional Printer - 1 unit capable of printing, scanning, and copying.

10. Photocopier - 1 unit with print, copy, and scan functions.

11. Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) - 1 unit to ensure power continuity.

12. TV Screen (85" QLED 4K SMART Television) - 1 unit for presentations and monitoring.

13. TV Wall Mount - 1 unit for the 85" TV.

14. Server - PowerEdge R540 12-Bay 3.5" LFF 2U Rackmount Server (BIOS and Firmware Updated).

15. CCTV System (16 Channel PoE NVR) - 1 unit for security monitoring.

16. CCTV System (Indoor Dome CCTV Camera) - 2 units for indoor surveillance.

17. Firewall - Enhanced security for the IT network.

Furniture and Office Equipment

18. 4-in-1 Workstation with Cabinets - 2 units to optimize workspace organization.

19. Swivel Chair - 8 units for ergonomic seating.

20. Executive Swivel Chair - 2 units for senior staff.

21. 4-Seater Workbench - 1 unit to facilitate collaborative work.

22. Executive Desk - 1 unit for high-ranking officials.

23. Metal Safe - 2 units for secure storage of sensitive documents.

24. Air Conditioners - 3 units to maintain a comfortable working environment.

25. Tools/Wires/Piping - Essential items for setting up IT infrastructure.

Additional Computer Equipment for Legal Directorate (HQ + Regions)

26. Laptops for Prosecutors - 60 units to be distributed among prosecutors (30).

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith