The Eastern Region Minister, Seth Kwame Acheampong, has urged the Governing Council of the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) to develop immigration policies that would address the current threats from the influx of foreign nationals into the country.
Addressing a three-day orientation workshop for the newly inaugurated Governing Council, Mr Acheampong expressed worry several West African migrants without their nation’s identity were brought in by Qnet Network marketing company to work.
”We are facing threats from immigrants from neighboring countries. We are unable to repatriate them.”
The regional minister, who also doubles as the Regional Security Council (REGSEC) Chairman, pointed out that the modus operandi of the Qnet officials calls for concern.
“They come in and hide in accommodations which are not so much visible in urban areas. I speak to you as the chairman of REGSEC, we have held meetings over this. It’s a challenge to our region,” he said, adding: “Qnet is one of the companies giving us worry. It is good I share it here so that you can carry this on board and as you work in a holistic management of our relationship with our neighbours in your scheme.”
Chief Director of the Interior Ministry Adelaide Anno-Kumi asked the new Governing Council to support the GIS to achieve its mandate.
”As council members, it is expected of you to play your strategy roles by coming out with policy issues that could move the service to the next level.”
The Comptroller-General of the Service, Kwame Asuah Takyi, reminded the new council of urgent issues that needed attention, enumerating a number of them: review act and legislative instrument, promotion, gratuities of retired officer and condition of service.
He noted it was critical they build synergy among themselves to ensure management achieve its mandate.
The Chairman of the GIS Governing Council promised advising the sector minister on the formulation of polices for management of the Service and also ensure the effective programmes of the service are functional.
”I wish to assure you that under my tenure, the Council shall not relent on efforts to do much more to better gains of the service.”
The three-day orientation was aimed at broadening the understanding and knowledge of the Cuncil on critical issues confronting the service and to help them bring their experience to bear in order to achieve GIS mandate.
By Yvonne Neequaye|3news.com|Ghana