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The Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, has called for chiefs and other stakeholders involved in the sale of lands at flood-prone areas and designated green zones to be held accountable as flooding continues to threaten lives and properties. According to the Ga Mantse, strict enforcement of building regulations and local assembly bylaws remains critical in addressing the persistent destruction caused by flooding and dam spillages. Speaking during a visit on Thursday to Weija and other affected communities to assess the impact of the Weija Dam spillage on residents and businesses, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II stressed that no one should be allowed to build on waterways. The Ga Mantse was accompanied by the Greater Accra Regional Minister, the Mayor of Accra, and officials of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO). “Everything is on pause. What we are asking is that government agencies, the Regional Minister, and the MMDAs enforce the bylaws. Nobody should be allowed to build on the waterway. If it’s wrong, it’s wrong and we have to deal with it,” he stated. The Ga Mantse acknowledged that demolitions may be painful for affected residents but insisted that enforcement actions are necessary to prevent future disasters and loss of lives. “Demolitions are painful and I sympathize with affected persons, but we will have to enforce the law because these floods continue to cause loss of life. This is something we cannot control because it is nature at work,” he added. King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II further urged government agencies and Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to fully enforce existing bylaws, while cautioning chiefs against selling lands located in waterways and flood-prone zones. He noted that protecting waterways and preserving green areas are essential measures in reducing the devastating impact of flooding across communities. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Delta Air Lines has marked 20 years of uninterrupted operations in Ghana, celebrating two decades of connecting Ghana to the United States while deepening business, tourism, education, and cultural ties between both countries. Since launching its Accra-New York route in 2006, Delta has transported over two million passengers between Ghana and the U.S., while linking travelers from Accra to more than 215 destinations globally through its international network. Speaking at Delta’s 20th Anniversary Dinner in Accra on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama, Chief of Staff Hon. Julius Debrah described Delta’s entry into Ghana two decades ago as a bold statement of confidence in the country and its future. According to him, the airline has over the years become a trusted bridge for families, students, businesses, and professionals, while contributing significantly to strengthening relations between Ghana and the United States. Managing Director for International and Specialty Sales at Delta, Rob LeBel, noted that the anniversary goes beyond aviation milestones, stressing that the airline’s journey in Ghana has been built on strong partnerships, operational consistency, and long-term commitment to the market. Delta was the first U.S. airline to operate nonstop flights between Ghana and the United States and maintained continuous operations even during the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring passenger and cargo connectivity during one of the aviation industry’s most challenging periods. The airline has also invested in infrastructure and customer experience in Ghana, including support for boarding gate development at Kotoka International Airport and the deployment of the Airbus A330-900neo aircraft on the Accra-New York route to improve passenger comfort, increase capacity, and reduce emissions. The reintroduction of the Accra-Atlanta route has further expanded connectivity options for Ghanaian travelers across Delta’s global network. Highlighting the airline’s broader impact beyond aviation, General Manager for Global Communications at Delta, Michael Thomas, emphasized that Delta’s commitment to Ghana extends far beyond transporting passengers. He explained that the airline has focused on connecting people, building relationships, and creating partnerships that positively impact communities across the country. Over the years, Delta has partnered with Breast Care International to support breast cancer awareness campaigns and screenings across Ghana, while its collaboration with Junior Achievement Africa has helped empower thousands of young people through leadership and innovation programmes. As part of its 20th anniversary activities, Delta also commissioned a borehole project in James Town to improve access to clean water for residents following a courtesy call on Nii Tackie Teiko Tsuru II. Delta says Ghana remains a strategic market within its West Africa operations as the airline continues to focus on expanding connectivity, improving customer experience, and strengthening long-term partnerships across the region. Caption “Delta’s dedication to Ghana extends beyond flights and destinations. It has been about connecting people, strengthening relationships, and building meaningful partnerships that positively impact lives.” — Michael Thomas, General Manager, Global Communications, Delta Air Lines. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Ghana Police Service has announced a major breakthrough in investigations into two high-profile criminal cases in the Bono East Region — the murder of the Queen Mother of Abamba, Nana Serwaa Gyan Kuma, and the deadly armed robbery attack at the GB Oil Filling Station near Atebubu. Addressing the media, the Inspector-General of Police revealed that a special intelligence-led operation led to the arrest of several suspects connected to the two incidents, with some of the suspects confessing to their involvement during interrogation. According to the IGP, immediately after the incidents were reported, he personally deployed a combined team from the Police Intelligence Directorate (PID), the Cyber Vetting and Enforcement Unit, and the Anti-Armed Robbery Unit to support the Bono East Regional Police Command in tracking down the perpetrators. Providing details on the murder of Nana Serwaa Gyan Kuma, the Queen Mother of Abamba who was shot and killed at her residence on February 25, 2026, the IGP said investigations took a dramatic turn after police in Kasoa arrested some suspects for allegedly preparing to commit robbery. During interrogation, one of the suspects, Abdul-Razak Ibrahim Langa, alias Zack, reportedly confessed that he had knowledge about the Queen Mother’s murder. He allegedly told investigators that the “ghost” of the late Queen Mother had been tormenting him, compelling him to speak the truth about the crime. Further investigations led to the arrest of Nana Yaw Bediako, alias Nana Yaw, who police identified as the gunman who allegedly shot and killed the Queen Mother. According to the IGP, Nana Yaw confessed to the killing and implicated Nana Owusu Sahkofi II, privately known as Dr. Charles Kofi Owusu, the Chief of Akokoa, as the person who allegedly contracted them to carry out the murder for a promised payment of GH¢50,000. Police investigations further led to the arrest of Emmanuel Agyemang Darko, the Abakomahene of Akokoa, and Bukari Amadu, a driver, for their alleged involvement in the case. The Police also linked convicted prisoner Isahaku Alhassan, alias Sule Yangani, to the crime. He is currently serving a prison sentence at the Ankaful Maximum Security Prison and is temporarily being held at the Sunyani Central Prison pending an appeal hearing. The IGP stated that intelligence gathering, confessional statements, and other evidence obtained by investigators strongly connected the suspects to the murder. Touching on the armed robbery attack at the GB Oil Filling Station near Atebubu on May 2, 2026, the IGP disclosed that police have so far arrested eight suspects, including two women. He said three suspects — Adam Adamu, aged 27, Sule Amadu Sobah, aged 22, and Abdulai Ali, aged 45 — are currently in police custody assisting with investigations. Three other suspects identified as Abdul Razak Osman, alias Alhaji Gao, Nuhu Awudu, and Dauda Issah died during police operations linked to the case. The two female suspects, who are nursing mothers, have however been granted police enquiry bail. According to police investigations, the alleged mastermind behind the robbery was Abdul Razak Osman, alias Alhaji Gao, who was himself a filling station operator before his death. Investigators believe Alhaji Gao contracted a criminal gang known as the “Nuhu gang” to rob and kill the owner of the GB Oil Filling Station. Police said the gang monitored the movements of the station owner on the day of the attack and struck after assuming he had returned to the premises. Unknown to them, the owner had left the station shortly before the attack. Realizing they had missed their target, the armed robbers allegedly became enraged and started firing indiscriminately at the filling station, leading to the death of two persons while two others sustained gunshot injuries. The IGP commended all officers involved in the investigations for their dedication, professionalism, and sacrifice in ensuring breakthroughs in both cases. He also expressed gratitude to members of the public who provided credible information that aided police operations. Assuring Chiefs of the Bono East Region and the entire country of the Police Service’s commitment to fighting crime, the IGP said law enforcement agencies would continue to deploy intelligence-driven strategies to make life difficult for criminals. He further issued a stern warning to criminals across the country, stressing that the Police would relentlessly pursue anyone involved in violent crimes. “We will ensure that all the suspects face the full rigours of the law,” the IGP stated. He added: “To the criminals out there, watch out — you are the next in line. We are coming for you.” Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has successfully prosecuted a 41-year-old Nigerian woman who attempted to obtain a Ghanaian passport using forged nationality documents. The accused, Franca Wilson, a welder by profession, pleaded guilty before the Adabraka District Court in Accra on May 12, 2026, and was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment with hard labour onthree counts. The sentences are to run concurrently. She was arrested on April 24, 2026, at the Accra Passport Application Centre (PAC), after vigilant officers detected inconsistencies in her nationality claims during the vetting process. She was subsequently referred to the National Enforcement Department at the GIS Headquarters for further investigations. Investigations established that the accused is a Nigerian citizen born in River State to Nigerian parents. However, she presented a falsified birth certificate claiming she was born in Somanya in the Eastern Region to a Ghanaian mother. She was unable to provide credible information about the alleged Ghanaian parent. Further investigations revealed that Franca Wilson had obtained a fraudulent birth certificate (Entry No. 310) and a Ghana Card bearing ID number GHA-731395447-1 through an agent. The same agent allegedly completed her online passport application and booked her appointment, which ultimately led to her arrest. In her caution statement, she admitted to the offences. The Ghana Immigration Service cautions the general public, particularly foreign nationals, against engaging the services of self-styled agents who claim they can secure Ghanaian identity or travel documents through illegal means. The Service reiterates that attempts to fraudulently acquire Ghanaian identity or travel documents constitute serious offences under the laws of Ghana and will attract severe sanctions. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Chairman of the Advisory Board of Princess Marie Louise Children’s Hospital, Reverend Father Dr. Andrew Nii Lantey Campbell, SVD, has led the management of the hospital to pay a courtesy call on King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II at his palace in Accra. The visit, held on Wednesday, was to officially invite the Ga Mantse to the hospital’s 100-year anniversary celebration scheduled for June 26, 2026. Speaking during the meeting, Rev. Fr. Dr. Campbell disclosed that the hospital’s centenary celebration would mark a major milestone in the facility’s long-standing contribution to child healthcare delivery in Ghana. According to him, the hospital continues to receive a high number of children daily, making its services critical to many families across the country. “We have seen you at the hospital and we know you love the facility. So many children come to the hospital every day. We want you to join us on that day and make it special,” he stated. Responding to the invitation, the Ga Mantse thanked Rev. Fr. Dr. Campbell for his dedication and humanitarian service, assuring the delegation that he would honour the invitation because the hospital holds a special place in his heart. “The hospital is very special to me and dear to my heart,” the Ga Mantse said. King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II further revealed that he had previously visited the hospital together with representatives of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to donate items to support the facility. He, however, noted that the hospital has become congested and requires expansion to meet growing healthcare demands. According to the Ga Mantse, discussions are currently ongoing with the Ministry of Health and a potential investor towards the construction of a modern 500-bed facility for the hospital. He added that the proposed project would also include a teaching and learning centre for the training of doctors and nurses. Rev. Fr. Dr. Andrew Nii Lantey Campbell is an Irish-Ghanaian Catholic missionary widely recognised for his extensive humanitarian and healthcare support initiatives in Ghana. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has taken a major step toward modernizing border management with a two-day training session in Accra for 40 officers ahead of the nationwide rollout of Ghana’s new electronic visa (e-visa) system on 25 May 2026. The training, which brought together personnel from immigration control points across the country, is aimed at preparing officers for the introduction of a fully digital platform that will allow foreign nationals seeking to enter Ghana to apply for and complete visa processes online. The system is expected to improve accessibility, enhance passenger processing, and strengthen security controls. Opening the session, the Acting Deputy Comptroller-General of Immigration in charge of Command Post and Operations, Mr. Faisal Disu, called on officers to demonstrate discipline, professionalism, and commitment. He described the e-visa initiative as “a new way of working, anchored on transparency and accountability,” stressing that data protection must remain a core responsibility of officers. Mr. Disu explained that the platform will generate traveller information critical to national security, economic planning, intelligence cooperation, and international collaboration. He emphasized that accuracy, security, and the responsible use of data are non-negotiable. He further noted that the e-visa platform will serve as the first point of contact between foreign visitors and Ghana. According to him, a transparent and userfriendly system will enhance Ghana’s image and attract tourism, business, and investment. Mr. Disu stated that the Management of GIS remains committed to continuous capacity building, system upgrades, and the provision of operational tools. He added that integrity and accountability mechanisms, including detailed audit trails, will be closely monitored, and breaches will be dealt with decisively in accordance with the law and service regulations. He admonished officers to demonstrate the commitment and sensitivity required to ensure that the e-visa platform achieves the Service’s vision of securing Ghana’s borders while facilitating seamless legitimate travel in support of the country’s broader national development agenda. Participants in the training will be taken through the workflow of the system, monitoring procedures, document verification checklists, and online payment processes. The opening ceremony was attended by senior GIS officials and partners, including Acting Deputy Comptroller-General (Legal) Philip Peter Andoh, Rock Africa CEO Francis Gavor, and other Departmental Heads. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Leadership of Delta Air Lines has paid a courtesy call on King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II as part of activities marking the airline’s 20th anniversary of operations in Ghana. The visit, which took place at the Ga Mantse Palace in Accra on Wednesday , was aimed at officially introducing the air line’s leadership to the King, expressing gratitude to God for preserving his life following his recent accident, and also informing him about Delta Air Lines’ two decades of operations in the country. Leading the delegation was Rob LeBel, who expressed appreciation to the Ga Mantse for the warm reception accorded the team. According to him, the air line was deeply grateful to the King for his continuous patronage and support for Delta Air Lines over the years. Mr. LeBel stated that Delta Air Lines remains committed to expanding its operations and improving service delivery to ensure passengers continue to enjoy top-quality travel experiences while also creating employment opportunities for many people. He further highlighted some of the air line’s corporate social responsibility initiatives, particularly a borehole project constructed at Jamestown. According to him, the project is expected to provide the community with safe and clean drinking water while improving the living conditions of residents. Mr. LeBel stressed that Delta Air Lines would continue to position itself as a pace-setter in the aviation industry through quality service delivery and impactful community interventions. The delegation also included Manoj Kuriakose and Mary Abisola Gbobaniyi, together with other officials of the airline. Responding, the Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, expressed appreciation to the leadership of Delta Air Lines for the visit and commended the air line for its longstanding relationship with Ghana. He particularly praised the company for the borehole project at Jamestown, describing it as a significant intervention that would help provide the community with access to quality and safe drinking water. The King also congratulated Delta Air Lines on its 20th anniversary celebration in Ghana and encouraged the company to continue strengthening its relationship with the Ga State and the Ghanaian people. He further appealed to the air line to consider introducing special discounts for GaDangme chiefs and traditional leaders who frequently patronise the services of the airline. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has announced that the recent outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) has been declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) by the World Health Organisation due to the risk of cross-border transmission and the severity of the disease. According to the Health Minister, although no case has been recorded in West Africa, including Ghana, citizens must remain calm but highly vigilant as government intensifies surveillance and preparedness measures nationwide. He explained that Ebola is a severe and often fatal illness spread through direct contact with the blood, body fluids, secretions, or organs of infected persons, as well as contaminated surfaces and materials. The Ministry of Health has therefore urged the public to strictly observe all preventive measures, especially during public activities and mass gatherings. Citizens have been advised to carry personal hand sanitisers, practice proper hand hygiene at all times, and avoid unnecessary physical contact. Event organisers have also been directed to provide adequate handwashing stations and sanitisers at all public events. The Minister further encouraged Ghanaians to wash their hands regularly with soap under running water or use alcohol-based sanitisers, while homes, schools, workplaces, markets and points of entry are expected to maintain proper hygiene facilities. Mr. Akandoh cautioned the public against spreading misinformation and urged citizens to rely only on official communication from government and health authorities. He added that persons experiencing symptoms such as sudden fever, headache, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhoea or unexplained bleeding should immediately report to the nearest health facility for early diagnosis and treatment. According to the Minister, the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service, together with international partners, have intensified screening, surveillance and emergency response systems to safeguard public health. “The cooperation of every citizen is essential in preventing the spread of Ebola. Together, we can protect our families and communities,” the Minister stated. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Director of Human Resource for Health Development at the Ministry of Health, Frederick Mensah Acheampong, has revealed that although all 16 regions benefited from the ongoing nationwide recruitment of health professionals, not every Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assembly (MMDA) was captured under the current exercise due to limited vacancies and the need to prioritise underserved areas. Speaking at a press conference held at the Ministry of Health Conference Room on Sunday, May 18, 2026, Frederick Mensah Acheampong explained that the recruitment process was guided by the objectives of the government’s Free Primary Healthcare (FPHC) Policy, which seeks to strengthen preventive, community-based and primary healthcare delivery, particularly in deprived communities. According to him, the Ministry in April this year received financial clearance to recruit about 8,000 health professionals nationwide, despite the country currently having a backlog of over 105,000 unemployed health professionals. He disclosed that regional allocations were determined based on staffing norms and annual human resource requirements submitted by key health agencies, including the Ghana Health Service (GHS), CHAG, Ahmadiyya Health Services and the Mental Health Authority. “All regions received allocations, but not all Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies were considered. For instance, in the Greater Accra Region, Ada West District, Ada East District and Ningo/Prampram Municipality were prioritised for this recruitment process,” Frederick Mensah Acheampong stated. Providing details on the recruitment portal, he said the Ministry uploaded approximately 53,440 records across major professional categories to support the process. The uploaded records included: 30,226 Allied Health Professionals from 2019 to 2024 16,860 Nurses and Midwives from the 2021 batch 4,631 Physician Assistants from 2018 to 2024 2,975 Pharmacists from 2019 to 2024 1,778 Pharmacy Technicians from 2019 to 2024 Five foreign-trained Clinical Research Assistants (CRA) He further revealed that out of 29,893 accounts initiated on the portal, about 2,636 applicants failed to complete their profiles. On active applications by professional categories, he noted that Registered General Nurses (RGN) recorded the highest number with 4,158 applications, followed by: Registered Midwives – 3,503 Nurse Assistant Preventive (NAP) – 2,724 Medical Laboratory Sciences – 2,058 Medical Laboratory Technicians – 1,546 Nurse Assistant Clinical (NAC) – 1,329 Nutritionists/Nutritionist Technicians – 1,217 Registered Public Health Nurses (RPHN) – 960 Physician Assistants – 901 Nurse Officers – 804 Pharmacy Technicians – 720 Frederick Mensah Acheampong stated that the recruitment portal recorded extremely high traffic within the first few minutes after opening. According to him, Greater Accra and Eastern Regions recorded 217 applications within the first five minutes Ashanti and Bono Regions recorded 153 applications within the same period Central and Western Regions recorded 123 applications within five minutes. He also disclosed that for the first time, West Mamprusi District in the Northern part of the country recorded the highest number of successful applications nationwide, receiving more than 90 successful applications. On the allocation structure, he explained that Nurse Assistant Preventive (NAP) and Registered Public Health Nurses (RPHN) were prioritised under the nursing category because of their strategic role in implementing the Free Primary Healthcare Policy. Out of the 6,500 vacancies allocated to nurses and midwives, over 40 per cent went to NAP and RPHN categories. Giving an update on completed applications, he stated: 6,245 successful applications were received out of 6,500 nursing and midwifery vacancies. 771 successful applications were received out of 900 Allied Health vacancies. 235 successful applications were submitted out of 250 Pharmacy and Pharmacy Technician vacancies. All Physician Assistant vacancies were fully exhausted. However, he noted that over 87 vacancies remain unfilled on the portal, particularly for Registered Public Health Nurses, Mental Health Nurses and five remaining CRA positions, mainly in northern districts. “The Upper East, Upper West and Savannah Regions received the highest allocation density because of the staffing deficits and healthcare demands in those areas,” he added. Frederick Mensah Acheampong announced that the Ministry would soon reopen the portal for a mop-up exercise to fill the remaining vacancies and also address critical staffing needs in Teaching Hospitals, Psychiatry Hospitals and other specialised institutions. He further disclosed that successful applicants would later be invited by their respective districts for interviews and document verification before assumption of duty on July 1, 2026. He assured health professionals that the Ministry remains in active discussions with the Ministry of Finance to secure additional financial clearance before the end of the year to recruit more unemployed professionals across the country. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Government of Ghana has officially announced the successful conclusion of its Extended Credit Facility (ECF) programme with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), marking what it describes as the end of the country’s financial bailout relationship with the Bretton Woods institution. According to Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Spokesperson to the President and Minister for Government Communications, the achievement reflects the restoration of macroeconomic stability and debt sustainability ahead of the programme’s original timeline. He explained that after the IMF-supported programme suffered setbacks at the end of 2024, the administration of John Dramani Mahama moved swiftly in 2025 to recalibrate the programme through aggressive fiscal consolidation measures, expenditure rationalisation and structural reforms. According to him, the interventions have yielded significant economic gains, including a sharp decline in inflation, appreciation of the Ghana cedi, improved economic growth and a substantial reduction in the country’s debt-to-GDP ratio. Felix Kwakye Ofosu further disclosed that Ghana’s sovereign credit ratings have improved from restricted default status to a “B with Positive Outlook,” representing five successive rating upgrades and signalling renewed investor confidence in the economy. He noted that the improved ratings reflect stronger fiscal performance, improved relations with creditors, enhanced external reserves and increased market confidence. The Minister also announced that Ghana’s gross international reserves had reached an estimated US$14.5 billion by February 2026, providing nearly six months of import cover. According to him, the strong reserve position has equipped the country with sufficient buffers to withstand external economic shocks without reliance on emergency financial support. He stressed that the latest development signals the definitive end of Ghana’s dependence on IMF financial bailout arrangements. Felix Kwakye Ofosu expressed gratitude to the people of Ghana for what he described as their sacrifices, resilience and patience throughout the economic recovery process. He also commended bilateral creditors, the Official Creditor Committee (OCC), domestic investors and external bondholders for their cooperation and support during the debt restructuring and recovery period. Going forward, he revealed that Ghana will transition to the IMF’s Policy Coordination Instrument (PCI), which he described as a non-financing technical assistance framework designed to support countries implementing economic reforms. According to him, unlike the ECF programme, the PCI does not involve direct financial support from the IMF but will provide technical assistance, policy guidance, market confidence and help catalyse fresh investments and financing opportunities from development partners and private investors. He explained that the PCI arrangement would complement government’s broader ambition of securing investment-grade status for Ghana’s economy. Felix Kwakye Ofosu stated that achieving investment-grade status would significantly reduce borrowing costs for both government and the private sector, attract long-term institutional investors, boost foreign direct investment and unlock cheaper financing for infrastructure and private sector expansion. He added that the initiative is expected to support sustainable economic growth, job creation and improved living standards for Ghanaians. The Minister reaffirmed the commitment of President John Mahama and his administration to prudent economic management, fiscal discipline, good governance and the creation of a favourable environment for domestic and international investment. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Ghana Immigration Service, in line with its commitment to maintaining zero tolerance for Gender-Based Violence (GBV), Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (SEAH), has commenced the first phase of implementing its GBV-PSEAH Policy with technical and financial support from United Nations Population Fund in 2025. The initiative has led to the development and validation of a GBV-PSEAH training manual, as well as the successful delivery of two specialised training programmes for selected officers and facilitators who will serve as trainers across regional commands and training schools nationwide. In the context of Migration and Border Management, the risk and incidence of GBV take on a unique and alarming dimension, making women and children potentially vulnerable to violence at borders and border communities, during migration journeys. Migrants, may be exploited leading to sexual abuse, exploitation, harassment and trafficking because migrants are sometimes forced to travel through dangerous unapproved routes, where the risk of sexual violence, including, rape is high. This is particularly true for women and girls who may travel without male companions or in groups with limited resources. The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has demonstrated strong commitment to preventing and responding to Gender-Based Violence, Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment within its operations. Following the development of the GBV-SEAH Training Manual and the successful completion of capacity-building workshops for officers in the northern and southern zones, the Service will implement additional strategic activities this year to strengthen institutional systems, accountability, and awareness. Focus to strengthen implementation will be around these areas; Capacity building programmes Expansion of GBV-SEAH and gender training across the Service Strengthen and enhance community relations to prevent GBV-SEAH. Strengthening reporting and monitoring systems Enhancing institutional awareness programmes Supporting resource mobilization for policy implementation The UNFPA reaffirmed their commitment to continue supporting the Ghana Immigration Service in implementing these initiatives following a courtesy call on the Comptroller General, Mr. Samuel Amadu Basintale by the Country Representative of the UNFPA, Dr. Wilfred Ochan at the GIS National Headquarters. Dr. Wilfred Ochan indicated during the visit that, a recent assessment conducted across selected institutions revealed that GIS already has a strong institutional structure in place to support gender-responsive policies. He however, indicated that work is required to strengthen implementation through continuous training, monitoring, and institutional support. The Comptroller General, Mr. Samuel Amadu Basintale emphasized the need to strengthen capacity across all operational levels of the Service. He noted that relying on only a few trained personnel at the regional level may limit the effective implementation of the policy and the training manual for in-service trainings. Therefore, it is important to replicate and decentralize training to the lowest operational levels, including sectors, districts, border posts, and inland checkpoints. The partnership between the UNFPA and the Ghana Immigration Service has been ongoing for approximately two years, particularly through engagements with the Gender Section and other departments within the Service. Further collaborations going forward will cover areas including logistical support for secure communication systems for case management, improvement of reporting channels i.e. short code for reporting, collaboration with other countries especially in the West African Sub region, capacity building and awareness creation among migrants, periodic refresher training programmes for officers that are in-service, introduction of online training modules that officers can complete independently, after which they will receive certification confirming their understanding of GBV/PSEAH and gender-related policies. Madam Selina Owusu, Gender Programme Analyst, UNFPA advised that the GIS should adopt a rights-based approach and gender-responsive border and migration management e.g. dealing with female victims of crimes, exploitation, trafficking, minors/ elderly people. The UNFPA delegation commended the leadership of the Ghana Immigration Service for demonstrating commitment to gender equality, workplace protection policies, and human rights standards in migration management. The partners acknowledged that the Service has shown leadership and openness in working with international partners to strengthen institutional policies and systems. They reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the Service through technical assistance, training programmes, and policy development initiatives. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Comptroller-General of the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS), Mr. Samuel Basintale Amadu, has led a delegation of senior GIS officers to meet with the Director of the Central Directorate of Prevention (DCPP) of the Italian Polizia di Stato and representatives of the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT). The meeting focused on the evolving terrorist threat in the Sahel and coastal West Africa, highlighting the growing risks posed by violent extremist groups, transnational organised crime, irregular migration, arms smuggling, and cross-border criminal networks. Special attention was drawn to the vulnerability of Ghana’s northern borders, giving the deteriorating security situation in neighbouring Sahelian states and the increasing risk of extremist infiltration. Mr. Amadu emphasized GIS’s commitment to strengthening border surveillance, intelligence-led operations, tactical preparedness, inter-agency cooperation, and institutional capacity to counter emerging threats. Italian authorities and UNOCT representatives shared international best practices in counter-terrorism, border management, operational coordination, and specialised tactical training. The discussions also underscored the need to balance robust security measures with respect for human rights, lawful migration management, and community engagement. The meeting reviewed progress on the Italy–Ghana–UNOCT Border Security and Management cooperation project, focusing on activity schedules, expected outputs, and coordination mechanisms. Partners reaffirmed their commitment to supporting specialised training, Trainer-of-Trainers programmes, the development of standardised training manuals, and capacity-building at the Immigration Tactical Training School (ITTraS). The session concluded with a shared pledge to deepen cooperation among the participating institutions and ensure the project contributes meaningfully to Ghana’s border security and counter-terrorism capacity, within the broader framework of regional and international security collaboration. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith