General News of Sunday, 27 March 2011

Source: GNA

GIS issues receipts for prescribed statutory fees

Accra, March 27, GNA - The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) at the week-end said receipts were issued for prescribed statutory fees, apart from that all other charges or fees were illegal. "It is advised that the identity of any officer who demands money for services rendered should be taken and reported to the officer-in-charge at the border post. Members of the public are also advised to insist on knowing the identity of any immigration officer they deal with," it added in a statement issued in Accra. "We wish to also advise the travelling public that it is an offence to entice an immigration officer with monies or gifts for special favours," the statement said.

The GIS said the obligation of any traveller was to present a genuine and valid document at the point of entry and exit, present a valid visa (where applicable), complete disembarkation and embarkation forms appropriately and pay only the authorised fees. In addition, they should demand official receipts for all payments made and take note of the identity of any officer who demanded money for service rendered and report to the officer-in-charge of that immigration post.

The statement said nobody should travel on fraudulent identity documents, hide travel documents from the immigration officer, carry any form of narcotic drug and be involved in drug or human trafficking.

The GIS released some telephones numbers at the various borders where complaints could be lodged.

Aflao border 97 0362530202, Elubo border 97 0312222004/006, Paga border 97 0382093528, Kotoka International Airport 96 0302762616, 0302777401 and the headquarters - 0302674125, 221667 or email=97info@ghanaimmigration.org