Demand proof of identity from tenants – GIS to landlords
The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has urged landlords to demand valid identification from prospective tenants before renting out accommodation to them.
According to the Public Affairs Officer at the Aflao Command, DSI Justice Kudzo Normeshie, the move is intended to help verify the immigration status of tenants and ensure they can be traced in the event of criminal activity.
He made the appeal during a workshop held in Ho for about 100 journalists and student journalists from various media organisations and tertiary institutions in the Volta Region. The training focused on reframing narratives around free movement of persons and migration in West Africa, alongside digital content creation and mini-video blogging.
The programme was jointly funded by the European Union and the ECOWAS Commission and implemented by Media Response (Ghana), with support from the GIS. Other partners included the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), International Labour Organisation (ILO), International Centre for Migration Policy Development, and ECOWAS@50.
The initiative aimed to build the capacity of journalists and public communication officers to report accurately and responsibly on migration issues, while encouraging balanced and human-centred public discourse.
DSI Normeshie noted that although ECOWAS allows free movement within the sub-region, travellers are still required to carry valid identification or travel documents to benefit from the arrangement.
He added that nationals from ECOWAS member states who reside in Ghana must obtain appropriate residence permits. “Security remains a priority, and there are established procedures for crossing borders,” he said.
He also cautioned travellers against overstaying the 90-day visa-free period, warning that penalties apply for violations.
On media reporting, he encouraged journalists to use careful and respectful language when covering migration issues, especially when dealing with vulnerable groups.
He explained that individuals fleeing conflict situations should not automatically be labelled as illegal immigrants, but may instead be considered irregular migrants depending on their circumstances.
He further noted that those hosting foreign nationals must be able to demonstrate how they intend to support them, adding that journalists should avoid hate speech, harsh descriptions, and victim-blaming in their reporting.
Executive Director of Media Response, Samuel Dodoo, also urged journalists to be mindful of terminology in migration reporting, stressing the need for accurate and responsible storytelling.
He said strengthening media capacity is essential to improving public understanding of migration and free movement within West Africa.
About The Author
