Accra - The International Organization for Migration (IOM) Ghana has been working with the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) over the past four years to enhance migration data management through digitizing traveller processing across various border posts in Northern Ghana. The Migration Information and Data Analysis System (MIDAS) has been installed at identified land border crossings to streamline data collection and support GIS border management operations. After an expansion of the MIDAS network to new border crossing points in April/May 2024, the comprehensive system is in place at five border crossings along Ghana’s northern borders. This aligns with GIS's strategic objectives to digitize migration data and improve traveller facilitation and control.

MIDAS has been operational at the Hamile (Upper West Region) and Kulungugu (Upper East Region) border posts since April 2022. In 2024, it was installed at three land border crossing points in the Upper East Region, namely Namoo, Mognori and Pulmakom. By the end of the year, MIDAS will be set up at the Bunkpurugu land border crossing in the Northeast Region upon completion of renovation and construction works at the border post.

“IOM is working with GIS to strengthen migration data management in GIS’s operations. The expansion of MIDAS to new border crossing points demonstrates IOM’s commitment to support the government in harnessing technology for more efficient and effective border management. Equipped with the new technology and with the corresponding skills, GIS officers can play their crucial roles in improving migration governance in Ghana,” said Nnamdi Iwuora, Senior Programme Manager at IOM Ghana.

Strengthening the capacities of the GIS officers has proven instrumental in the successful implementation of MIDAS. Through comprehensive training sessions for system administrators and end-users, participating officers gained essential skills in installing, administering and operating MIDAS. In April and May 2024, 56 officers (49 men and 7 women) from the three newly added border crossing posts (Namoo, Mognori and Pulmakom ) were trained and are now not only able to use the system effectively and efficiently but are also able to convey the newly acquired skills to their colleagues.

Assistant Commissioner of Immigration and Deputy Head of the Management Information Systems Department at GIS, Sharif Karikari, said: "The collaboration with IOM marks a significant milestone in our efforts to enhance migration data management. MIDAS helps us to improve border control and facilitate the movement of travellers. Expanding MIDAS to additional land border crossing points is in line with our commitment to modernizing our border management infrastructure and ensuring the safety and security of our borders.”

The hands-on approach to installation and operationalisation ensures that frontline immigration personnel are proficient in leveraging MIDAS to streamline data collection and enhance traveller processing efficiency at the selected border crossing points.

“Being involved in the installation of MIDAS at our border crossing point has been an exciting opportunity. I believe this system will greatly improve our ability to monitor and manage migration flows in Ghana. I look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on our border operations," said Assistant Superintendent of Immigration, Ashraf Dauda, stationed at the Namoo border crossing point.

This initiative is part of the "Strengthening the Northern Borders of Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana and Togo" project which aims to reinforce border security and community engagement in the region

For more information, please contact Nnamdi Iwuora, Senior Programme Manager at IOM Ghana, Tel: +233 302 742 930 Ext. 2401, or niwuora@iom.int.