The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has requested the Parliamentary Select Committee on Defence and Interior to back its initiative to fully digitise operations nationwide.
This request was made by the Comptroller-General of Immigration, Samuel Basintale Amadu, during the committee’s visit to the GIS headquarters in Accra, led by Committee Chairman and MP for Builsa North, James Agalga.
The Comptroller-General stated that the committee’s support is vital as the Service aims to modernise its operations.
“Together, we are confident that this esteemed committee will assist us in advancing GIS, especially as we prepare to fully digitise all our processes and border controls,” Mr. Amadu remarked.
He mentioned that a brief presentation was prepared to inform the committee about the current status of the Service, its main challenges, and future opportunities.
The visit was part of the committee’s oversight duties and allowed for open communication between Parliament and the Service.
Mr. Agalga, in his comments, emphasized the need for the committee to be informed about developments within the GIS to effectively fulfill its responsibilities.
“There have been new developments. New successes have been achieved. Some new challenges have arisen. We need to be informed of your successes and challenges so that, as the committee with oversight responsibility, we can see how we can collaborate with you and support you in achieving your mission and goals,” he stated.
“This is a friendly visit. Please feel free to share openly. Let us know what we need to understand. We will then relay the message back to Parliament,” he added.
The GIS has been working to modernise its systems and enhance efficiency, especially in border control and internal administration. The leadership believes that digitalisation will be crucial in boosting the Service’s capacity and responsiveness.
The interaction with the committee is viewed as a strategic move to gain the necessary institutional and political support to implement these reforms.