The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has received a boost with a donation of state-of-the-art information technology and cyber security equipment from the government of Denmark.

The equipment included Cyber security software, IT infrastructure for LAN/WAN setup, Laptops, Desktops, CCTV cameras, CCTV monitors, Digital Cameras, industrial copiers, and IP phones among others.

The various equipment were donated by the Denmark government to enhance the institutional and operational capacity of the GIS to combat irregular migration, with a specific focus on document fraud detection, strategic planning, and intra-agency coordination.

Since 2018, the government of Denmark has been supporting the government of Ghana by funding several projects in migration and related areas through the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) as an implementer of the projects.

One such project is the Strengthening Border and Migration Management in Ghana (SMMIG II).

The head of the office for ICMPD, Amala Obiokoye-Nwalo, noted that the first phase of the project, SMMIG I, saw the revamping of the Document Fraud office in Kumasi last year.

“I would like to mention that less than a year ago, ICMPD through the SMMIG project, supported the GIS in revamping the Document Fraud office in Kumasi, commissioned on 24 August 2023, to support GIS operations at the new Kumasi International Airport, in the Ashanti Region as a whole and the neighbouring regions.

"The renovation exercise involved a total overhaul of the facility, procurement of office furniture and specialised forensic document verification equipment. This exercise further strengthens GIS capacity in combating document fraud. Document security is the bedrock of identity management and an important factor in migration governance and security," she added.

The Comptroller General of GIS, Kwame Asuah Takyi, while receiving the equipment said that migration governance has become a key accelerator of sustainable development.

Mr Takyi also called on all stakeholders to come on board to help the government's efforts in reducing irregular migration.

"Collaboration and building lasting relationships are important for us to effect the change that we envisage in this space for which reason I will call on all stakeholders to come on board to help in strengthening the government’s efforts in reducing irregular migration, so that, both countries of destination and origin will enjoy the benefits of a well-managed migration,” he noted.

On behalf of Denmark, the Deputy Ambassador to Ghana, Vibeke Sandholm Pedersen, urged the management of GIS to ensure the donated equipment is properly deployed, utilised and maintained for the benefit of the country.

Representing the government, the Deputy Interior Minister, Naana Eyiah Quansah, was grateful to the Denmark government and ICMPD.

“On behalf of the government of Ghana we convey our gratitude to the Danish Government for their support to the Ghana Immigration Service over the years, and also appreciate the International Centre for Migration Policy Development for facilitating the implementation of the various activities under the Project," she said.