Mr Ambrose Dery (head of table) swearing in the council members. Photo: Ebo Gorman
A 13-member Council for the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has been inaugurated by the Interior Minister, Mr. Ambrose Dery with a call on members to ensure the full implementation of the service’s new laws.
The new laws are Immigration Service Act, 2016, (Act 908), following which the service now has a council instead of a board; and the Immigration Service Regulations, Legislative Instrument (L.I) 2245.
“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 mission abroad”, he said
Mr. Derry also charged members to adopt a more comprehensive and cooperative approach in dealing with matters affecting the service.
The chairman of the council is Dr. Edwards Prempeh, a medical practitioner while members include Comptroller-General of GIS, Mr. Kwame Asuah Takyi and Mrs. Adelaide Anno-Kumi, Interior Ministry.
Others are Mr. Emmanuel Enos, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration; Mr. Eric Afari, Mr. K. Hodari Okae and Mr. Samuel Adjei Mensah, GIS and Mrs. Stella Dede Williams, Finance Ministry.
The rest are Mr. Matthew Amponsah, Ministry of Justice and Attorney General’s Department; Mr. Peter R. Zwennes , Ghana Bar Association and Ms. Hager Dery, Mr. Anthony Namoo and Mr. Benjamin K. Gyasi, President’s Nominees.
Mr. Dery noted that recent development across the world in the area of migration and global security called for a well though-out, innovative and proactive approach to migration management.
However, he said in the midst of challenges, including terrorists’ attacks, were also opportunities for economic advancement of the country since it was well-positioned as the gateway to Africa.
He said the GIS had a crucial role to play in securing the country’s borders, maintain its territorial integrity, and ensure its economic well-being and that council members were expected to serve with all diligence.
“Resourcing the GIS to effectively and efficiently manage migration in Ghana and contribute to National Security will demand bringing your expertise and knowledge to bear in order to achieve the goals of the service.” he stated.
Responding on behalf of the council, Dr. Prempeh expressed gratitude to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for the appointment and pledged to discharge their duties tirelessly.
“We would pursue the issue of immigration officers being sent to missions abroad and also help the Border Patrol to deliver on its mandate.” he stated.
By Jonathan Donkor and Rita Appah
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