The German Government is cautioning the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) to keep up its vigilance and increase monitoring at the various borders of the country.
The caution comes at the back of the recent terrorist attacks happening in neighbouring West African countries.
Speaking at the handing over ceremony at the premises of the headquarters of the Ghana Immigration Service in Accra on Wednesday, the Deputy Head of Missions at the German Embassy, Hans-Helge Sander (MBA) said "Keep up its vigilance and increase the monitoring of the borders. We all know that not all border crossings are official border crossings"
"And with the situation developing as it is, I think vigilance and surveillance of the borders are two of the very crucial efforts to have a full picture of what is really happening in order to keep Ghana, the safe place that it is"
He also added that it is important that the Document Fraud and Expertise Centre of the Ghana Immigration Service be equipped with logistics to help boost their day-to-day activities.
He said "Today, we have handed over a bus and motorbike to the Document Fraud and Expertise Centre which is a centre which deals with potentially forged travel documentsof passengers"
"One of the core mandate of border security agency, we believe that the Document Fraud and Expertise Centre is an important part of the Ghana Immigration Service and it needed a bit more of flexibility and therefore, we decided to donate a vehicle and a motor bike"
"As we are aware of the situation to the North of Ghana's border, is becoming more and more volatile, and Ghana needs to increase its efforts to secure ots borders"
"So I am happy that we have received confirmation from Berlin that we will be able to work togetger with Ghana Immigration Service to establish an equal service point in Tamale in the Northern Region"
"So we can switch news by the Ghana Immigration Service and other security services of Ghana to secure its borders particularly with Burkina Faso; will not have to be transferred to for service and maintenance will be done in Tamale"
Delivering a speech on behalf of the Minister for Interior, Ambrose Dery, the Chief Director of the Interior Ministry, Adelaide Annor-Kumi said "Permit me to use this opportunity to thank the German Government for the donation of a Sixteen-Seater Nissan Urvan Bus and a Yamaha Motorbike to the Document Fraud and Expertise Centre of the Ghana Immigration Service. I must indicate that I am very impressed with the existing cooperation between the Federal German Police and the Ghana Immigration Service. It is an extremely important cooperation that must encouraged at all times for both countries and for our mutual benefit. The gesture is about our friendship with German and this donation represents the spirit of generosity of the people of the Federal Republic of German and also the strong ties that unit us at all levels"
She added that Ghana's diplomatic relationship has established strategic partnership, cooperation that must be deepened for the mutual benefit of both Governments and the Institutions.
She added that she is hopeful that the donation will strengthen the bond of bilateral cooperation both countries have had over the years for more successful engagements and also create an opportunity to address all outstanding issues of collaboration.
"Your Excellency, Ladies and Gentlemen, in our quest to the fight terrorism within the West African sub-region, Violent extremism is increasingly becoming a challenge to Governments in West Africa Sub-Region and Ghana is no exception. The emergence of terrorist groups and intensification of their activities in our neighbouring countries leaves much to be desired"
She entreated the Ghana Immigration Service and the Security agencies operating at the various borders to adopt a working strategy by putting in place mechanisms to detect, prevent terrorism, terrorist activities and terrorism financing.
"The Government, under Nana Addo-Dankwa Akufo Addo is doing its best in resourcing the Ghana Immigration Service and Government Agencies, and specifically, the Security Agencies. However, we acknowledge that the work is enormous and a such the collaboration to assist is very appreciated"
"I can assure you that the bus and the motorbike would be put into good use to achieve the purpose for which they are meant for. I urge the Ghana lmmigration Service (GIS) to keep to servicing regime of the equipment so as to enhance its performance and durability. Once again on behalf of Government l say thank you to the Federal Republic of Germany for the gesture"
On his part, the Controller-General of the Ghana Immigration Service, Kwame Asuah Takyi said "I must say that the vehicles came at the right period when the Service was actively responding to security challenges vis a vis the fight against covid-19 pandemic which had the tendency to undermine the country’s border security at the same time"
He added that the current developments along the borders of West African countries brings to the fore the need for more commitment and vigilance by the security and intelligence officers.
He stressed that it will help them to adequately deal with undesirable elements who may want to enter the country to attack installations and the citizens.
He called on all to preach the 'See something say something' campaign.
He promised to ensure that the vehicle and motorbike are used fir its intended purposes.
Below are some pictures:
Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith