Members of the first-ever Council for the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) have been challenged to adopt a more comprehensive and cooperative approach in dealing with matters affecting the Service.
They are also expected to bring their expertise and knowledge to bear in the resourcing of the Ghana Immigration Service to effectively and efficiently manage migration in the country and also contribute to national Security.
These were required of them by the Minister for the Interior, Mr. Ambrose Dery when he swore in the first ever Members of the Ghana Immigration Council on Tuesday, July 12 in Accra.
According to the Minister, recent developments across the world in the areas of migration and global security has necessitated a well thought-out, innovative and proactive approach to migration management.
“Today, the whole world, particularly some West African Countries, are confronted with what has been described by some as incessant terrorists’ attacks. In the midst of these challenges and threats, here are also several opportunities for economic advancement that could be harnessed by the country which is well positioned as the Gateway to Africa.
I must say that, the Ghana Immigration Service has a very special role to play in securing our borders, maintaining the country’s territorial integrity and ensuring our economic well-being” he said.
He further indicated that, Ghana has become an increasingly desirable investment and travel destination and that the quality of the Council was a boost to the capacity of the GIS to make good its mandate.
In conclusion, Mr Dery charged the Council members to have a stake in ensuring the full implementation of the Immigration Service Act, 2016, Act 908 and the Immigration Service Regulation 2016, L.I. 2245, which were recently promulgated.
“Notable among the issues is the deployment of Ghana Immigration Service Officers to collaborate with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration in visa matters in Ghana’s missions abroad, among others,” he said, adding that the President’s expectations of the Council were great.
Speaking on behalf of the Council, Dr. Prempreh, thanked the President for appointing them to serve the country as Council Members and promised promise to discharge their duties diligently under the Immigration Service Act 2016, Act 908 and L.I. 2245.
The 13-member Council is chaired by Dr. Edward Prempeh, a Medical Practitioner and has Mr. Kwame Asuah Takyi of the Ghana Immigration Service, Mrs Adelaide Anno-Kumi of the Ministry for the Interior, Mr Emmanuel Enos of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Mrs. Stella Dede Williams of the Ministry of Finance, Mr. Eric Afari and Mr. Samuel Adjei Mensah both from the GIS;
The rests are Mr. K. Hodari Okae, M.r Matthew Amposah of the Ministry of Justice and Attorney General’s Department, Mr Peter R. Zwennes, Ghana Bar Association, Ms. Hager Dery, Mr. Anthony Namoo (ESQ) and Mr. Benjamin K. Gyasi who are all Nominees of the President.
This is the first appointed Council since Act 908 of the GIS Act 2016 came into force.
The Ghana Immigration Service’s mandate is basically to regulate and monitor the entry, residence, employment and exit of all foreigners in Ghana as well as monitoring the movement of Ghanaians into and out of the country.
Public Affairs & Com. Unit│ Tuesday, 11th July, 2017│Accra
