Reported by, Nsor Paul mensah.
International Organization for Migration (IOM) Organizes dissemination workshop for survey on Trade facilitation, public health and immigration response to Covid-19 in West Africa, in Accra 10th August 2022, on the project for enhancing border management capacity for responding to the Republic health crisis including covid-19.
The objectives for the Workshop are to share findings on the data survey carried out at the points of entry in Paga, Elubo and Aflao to national authorities.To discuss the findings and make recommendations on how the gaps identified during the survey can be bridged for effective border management. Also to examine the recommended actions in the report for the reinforcement of their existing efforts aiming to strengthen national capacities on public health emergencies. And to collect the opinions and contributions of the different stakeholders and formulate joints recommendations.
According to the Chief Representative, Japan International Co-operation Agency (JICA) Ghana office, Mr. Araki Yasumichi, in his opening remarks indicated that JICA is happy to partner with IOM to conduct survey on the land borders on the response to Covid-19 by the border management agencies.
He noted that, in an effort deal with the COVID-19 impact on the land borders and trade among neighbouring nations in West Africa, JICA signed an agreement with IOM in August 2021 to strengthen the border management capacities in 5 countries.
As part of its implementation, this data collection Survey was necessary to provide the basis and empirical evidence for targeted future interventions. the data collection Survey covers 6 major land borders in 5 countries including Burkina Faso, Cote d'Ivoire, Ghana, Togo and Benin.
Mr. Yasumichi review that the purpose of the workshop was that, the Aflao, Elubo and Paga borders have been surveyed.
He therefore urge all the stakeholders especially Ghana Immigration service, Ghana Health Service (port health), Ghana Revenue Authority (Custom Division) and other border management institutions to take keen interest in the findings and recommendations.
"I believe this would not only help prevent or manage the COVID-19 and other infectious disease but also enhance trade facilitation and movement of persons across the sub-region".
Mr. Araki Yasumichi also urge the participants to contribute to enhancing the report for the benefit of Ghana and West Africa.