The Deputy Ambassador for Denmark to Ghana, Vibeke Sandholm Pedersen has disclosed that the Danish government has invested about 600,000 Euros into the provision of equipment, tools and software for the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS), in implementing the “Strengthening Borders and Migration Management in Ghana Project” (SMMIG).
SMMIG, proposed by the International Center for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) and funded by the Danish Government, aimed at strengthening the institutional capacity of the GIS, through training in document fraud detection and strengthening the legal department of the service to combat illegal migration, among others.
The first phase of the project was introduced in 2008 and ended in November 2021, with the second phase commenced in August 2021 and ended in July 2024.
She assured of Denmark’s commitment to promoting safe migration in West Africa, during the awards night and closing ceremony of SMMIG, held at the Kempinski hotel.
“In addition to the training, the Denmark government also invested close to 600,000 Euro in providing various equipment, tools and software for the GIS. Although the SMMIG project ends on 31st July, the Government of Denmark continues to champion safety and bridging the migration within the West African Region, the strengthening of migration in West Africa project.”
The Project Manager Amala Obiokoye-Nwalor revealed that over 1,180 GIS officials received training during the programme in areas such as Cybersecurity, Intelligence Gathering, Evaluation and Monitoring and Result-based management.
According to Obiokoye-Nwalor, SMMIG presented the service with a state-of-the-art forensic office and a variety of cybersecurity tools, among other accomplishments.
The Comptroller General of the GIS, Kwame Atuah Takyi, who was adjudged with the highest honour for the night and presented with the Leadership Excellence Award, highlighted the benefits of some achievements under the project and commended all the stakeholders involved in championing the agenda of SMMIG.
“One of the significant achievements for GIS, under the project was the evaluation of the 2018-2022 Strategic Plan and subsequent development and launching of the current Strategic Plan 2023-2029 with its attendant activities, which will serve as a guide for the service till the end of 2029.”
“I wish to express my sincerest appreciation for your active participation and meaningful contribution in this space and also for your contribution in diverse ways towards the successful implementation of this project” Mr Atuah Takyi stated.