GIS Hosts Minister

Hon. Ambrose Dery inspecting a quarter guard of honour with Comptroller-General, Kwame Asuah Takyi, during the visit

The Minister for the Interior, Hon. Ambrose Dery, has assured the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) that the Ministry would work hand in hand with the Service in achieving its objectives of effectively managing the borders of the country and managing migration for national development.

He stated that the Ministry is aware of the numerous challenges the service is facing especially in the area of capacity building, IT equipment, weapons, and the need for robust vehicles amongst others which would enable the Service deal with terrorism which is gradually gaining grounds in the sub-region.

He made these statements when he paid a day working visit to the National Headquarters of the GIS to interact with the members of the National Immigration Management Committee.

Mr Dery urged the management not to hesitate in letting the Ministry know of any of the Service’s other needs and challenges so that the Ministry could assist. He affirmed that the Interior Ministry would work with the Service in implementing provisions in the new Immigration Service Act, 2016 (Act 908).

He pointed out that the government respects and appreciates the Service’s role in securing the country’s frontiers in spite of logistical challenges the Service is confronted with.

On his part, the Comptroller-General of GIS, Kwame Asuah Takyi briefed the Minster on the implementation status of the new Immigration Service Act, 2016 (Act 908) which gives the Service the legal backing to wield weapons in the discharge of its duties, the elevation of the rank of the Head of the GIS, the ranking structure as well as the change of Board of the Service to Council.

He called for the review of the Immigration Act, 2000 [Act 573] which is the operational law of the Service. To that effect, he disclosed that a committee had been set up to take care of it.

The Minister was accompanied by his Deputy, Mr. Henry Quartey, the Chief Director of the Ministry, Mrs. Adelaide  Annor –Kumi and some officials of the Ministry.