An ultra-modern Migration Information Centre for Returnees has been opened at the Kotoka International Airport Terminal 2 to receive returnees from all over the world, who return voluntarily or are forced to return to Ghana. The centre is also to assist with the reintegration process into their various communities.
The Centre was realised as a result of a collaboration between the European Return and Reintegration Network, the State of North Rhine-Westphalia, the International Centre for Migration Policy Development and the Ghana Immigration Service.
The Chief Director of the Ministry of the Interior, Mrs. Adelaide Anno-Kumi, who read a speech on behalf of the sector Minister, indicated that the project has been initiated with the objective to increase the Ghanaian Administration’s ownership in the coordination of reception of returnees, as well as the quality of reintegration services offered to returning migrants.
She commended the German Federal Office for Migration and Refugees and the Ministry for Children, Family, Refugees and Integration of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia as the Project lead for aligning its priorities with the efforts of the Ghana Immigration Service in ensuring dignified return and sustainable reintegration of returnees into their communities.
She stated that though Migration is a security issue it must not be addressed using only security measures. “The government of Ghana and other stakeholders are mindful of the importance of addressing these issues that influence Ghanaians to illegally migrate to Europe for greener pastures”, she said.
The Comptroller-General of the Ghana Immigration Service, Mr. Kwame Asuah-Takyi, thanked the European Return and Reintegration Network, the State of North Rhine-Westphalia and the International Centre for Migration Policy Development for their support.
He said the initiative commenced in 2019 and has assisted over 1,000 migrants. Also, over 600 returnees have been successfully reintegrated into the various communities.
