The International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) director, Mr. Martjin Pluim has stated that the launch of the GIS-Danish Project in Accra will contribute to strengthening cooperation and information exchange between the respective units of the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) that are involved in curbing irregular migration.

According to him by strengthening intra-agency and regional cooperation, SMMIG will improve the quality and quantity of information exchange on new methods of forgeries and up to date risks related to document security.

He said ‘’ the project will also strengthen the capacity of the policy planning, monitoring and evaluation department of the GIS to coordinate the implementation of the new GIS strategic Plan.

The ICMPD supported the GIS in the development of its 2018 – 2022 strategic plan, under the framework of the EU funded project; support to free movement and migration in West Africa- FMM West Africa project.

As part of the launch of the GIS-Danish project, ICMPD and the GIS are expected to sign a memorandum of understanding, which would serve as a cooperation framework for the implementation of the project.

Mr. Martjin Pluim stated that ‘’ ICMPD has been working with governments in west Africa to provide innovative responses to migration related issues in the areas of border management, trafficking of human beings, migration and development, migration data, migration dialogues, and labour migration. ‘’

He added that ICMPD specifically has been supporting the government of Ghana since 2011 to enhance the capacities of government institutions to manage migration.

‘’ Our intervention has been based on three pillar approach, which are Policy & Research, Migration Dialogue and Capacity building.’’ he added.