The European Union in Ghana within the framework of the SBS Ghana project has donated five motor bikes and other security equipment to the Ghana Immigration Service to fight human trafficking and strengthen security surveillance at Ghana's borders. This will support GIS in its effort to ensure greater security for citizens and visitors, while guaranteeing the respect for the rule of law and human rights standards by border management authorities.
This is the second donation by the EU to GIS within the framework of the SBS Ghana project. In August 2020, the EU as a long standing partner of Ghana, provided COVID -19 emergency assistance to the GIS, by donating 15 laptops, five vehicles (three pick-up and two minibuses), five motorbikes and personal protective equipment worth over EUR 280,000.
In a speech read on behalf of the Minister for the Interior, Deputy Minister Naana Eyiah, indicated that “reducing irregular migration, human trafficking, smuggling of goods and other cross border crimes was not only the responsibility of the GIS.” She further stated, “Every member of the public has a responsibility in ensuring the security of their communities by also sharing information with the security agencies. Sharing information with the Ghana Immigration Service will enable them fight against terrorists’ attacks, money laundering, human trafficking and drug trafficking among other cross border crimes.
The Ambassador of the EU to Ghana, H.E. Irchad Razaaly stated, “The EU will continue to strengthen its partnership with Ghana in the fight against transnational organized crime and border security with technical trainings, supporting Ghanaian law enforcement agencies to acquire knowledge, skills and tools to reinforce their efforts against international organized crime and insecurity on land”
Within the framework of the SBS Project, the EU in the next phase (2023) will provide 10 laptops, two pick-up vehicles and border patrol equipment to enhance the operational capacity of the Ghana Immigration Service.