Comptroller-General of the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS), Kwame Asuah Takyi says inadequate infrastructure and equipment; management of numerous irregular border crossing points; migration data management; the existence of cross border trafficking and smuggling networks and other transnational border crimes contribute to the common perennial challenges in managing borders as West African countries. According to him, this situation is further exacerbated by contemporary challenges, such as the emergence of violent extremism. Speaking at a Regional Technical Conference on Regional Cooperation for enhancing resilience and mitigating risks in border management in Accra, he said "Over the years, we have witnessed extremist groups or individuals deepening their aspiration to spread the instability with which our northern neighbours are grappling with. At the same time, the porous nature of our borders has heightened the situation and thus making it too easy for criminals to cross into our countries illegally" "As neighbouring countries, we must increase our efforts to prepare for and tackle urgent, overlapping issues if it is our objective to strengthen regional cooperation to enhance resilience and mitigate risks in border management" "Current security happenings in the Sahelian states has further highlighted the vulnerabilities and risks faced by us. It threatens our socio-political and economic security with migratory flows, disruption in trade activities due to closure of borders and influx of migrants displaced by violence" "These multiple and overlapping issues pose serious challenges in maintaining the peace and stability that we require and emphasize the need to advance the regional cooperation and coordination in the border management agenda" Mr. Takyi noted that regional cooperation and coordination can provide valuable support to national and regional border management efforts in the short-term while also enabling all to lay the foundations for a more resilient, inclusive, sustainable and stronger sub-region. "With some of us suffering from the attacks under terrorist siege, some still remain unattacked. Juxtaposing this to the current situations, it is important to acknowledge that, violent extremism and other transnational crimes has not only become a threat to us but also closer to us than ever" "As a result, there is increasing need for resilience-building and mitigating risks as an agenda that can facilitate holistic, positive and lasting changes in our countries especially communities who are most at risk of harm. I am glad this regional conference has once again brought us together to deliberate on issues of common interest" "It is my expectation that at the end of this conference, an approach that harmonizes different risk management actions would be arrived at. Let us endeavour to be very much aware of each of the mitigating actions and get well-coordinated in the interest of ensuring the territorial integrity of our individual countries. This is necessary for us as countries with common interest. Beyond this, strengthened regional cooperation is essential to facilitating open data and boosting much-needed cross-border management initiatives" He noted that driving greater regional cooperation for enhancing resilience and mitigating risks in border management forward into the next phase requires strong leadership to manage and secure borders. "By working together through this platform, we can both deliver on this agenda and move the region’s cooperation and integration into the next phase" He hinted that Ghana was committed to supporting a stronger regional cooperation every step of the way. "Together we can deliver the vision of having a well-coordinated, integrated, sustainable and inclusive future for all in the management of our borders in the interest of our respective countries to contribute meaningfully to the management of migration for national development" Mr. Takyi expressed his appreciation and gratitude to the European Union and the International Centre for Migration Policy Development for their support to migration management in the country. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Chief of Staff, Akosua Frema Osei-Opare has revealed that government has spent GH¢40million on victims of the Akosombo Dam spillage. The Chief of Staff made this remarks while addressing Journalists in Accra on Wednesday in Accra. She said "The Volta River Authority (VRA) and the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) led the provi­sion of the relief efforts" “The Ministry of Education, Health, Roads, Sanitation and Water Resources have collected and anal­ysed data from affected communi­ties and action is being taken,” "The Akufo-Addo government is committed to improving the social and economic conditions of all af­fected persons in the communities" “As announced by the Finance Minister, Mr Ken Ofori-Atta, during the reading of the 2024 budget and economic policy of the government on the floor of Parlia­ment, government has budgeted an amount of GH¢220million to sup­port the relief aid of communities affected by the Akosombo spillage as well as floods upstream in Oti, Savanah and Bono East regions,” Taking his turn, Minister of Education, Dr Yaw Osei Adut­wum said "42,522 learners and 1,551 teachers in 127 schools were affected by the floods adding that the schools included those in the North Tongu, Central Tongu, South Tongu, Ketu South and Anloga, all in the Volta Region" Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the VRA. Antwi Dankwa said "The Authority was committed to ensuring that all those affected would be restored to normalcy. As dam managers, they were mandated to maintain the integrity and safety of the dam and lives of the people who live around the dam" Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Government of Ghana has procured and handed over some Toyota Landcruisers and other vehicles to the Ghana Immigration Service. According to government, it is committing resources to retool the Service, in the context of security agencies transformation, to enable the personnel discharge their mandate of regulating, monitoring the entry, residence, employment and the exit of foreigners in Ghana effectively and efficiently. Speaking at the ceremony, Interior Minister, Ambrose Dery said "Ladies and gentlemen, the Government of Ghana has identified the Immigration Service as an integral part of the National Security Architecture and the developmental process of the country. It is for this reason that the Government is committing resources to retool the Service, in the context of security agencies transformation, to enable the personnel discharge their mandate of regulating, monitoring the entry, residence, employment and the exit of foreigners in Ghana effectively and efficiently" He added that true benefits of migration and border security can be derived if the requisite structures and logistical resources are effectively put in place by the government. "Comptroller- General, these vehicles lined up do not only represent means of transportation, but the Government’s support and appreciation for the tireless effort of the personnel of the Ghana Immigration Service at the borders. Let me entreat you to let these vehicles be a motivation to improve your services in the various regions" "On behalf of the Government, I wish to applaud the Comptroller-General and his team for their hard work and commitment for the strides the Service is making in ensuring border security" "Officers and Men, Border Security has become a major national security concern within the West African sub-region and Ghana is not an exception" "The sophistication and increasing levels of transnational crimes including terrorism, call for urgent attention in the management of our borders. The Government being aware of the threats posed by undesirable elements at the various borders, especially at the Northern frontiers is doing everything possible to support the Service. The Ghana Immigration Service is the lead agency in the Border Security Management of Ghana. The first point of contact of travelers to Ghana. To this end, the Government will ensure that the Service revamps the Border Patrol Unit (BPU) to make it more efficient and visible at the borders. The Service the BPU should be intelligence-led, with highly trained personnel and modern technology to address the emerging threats to border and national security" He stressed that government recognizes the key role played by the Ghana Immigration Service, in collaboration with other Security Agencies to ensure peace and security of the country. "Whiles you do your best to ensure the security of the country, I must say there are some miscreant personnel among you who terrorize civilians and rob them of their valuables. You cannot be law enforcers and perpetrators of heinous crimes at the same time" "I am aware that the Police Service in collaboration with other security agencies, has made some arrest in recent time involving personnel of the Security Services" "Let me use this occasion to warn such officers to desist from these misconducts since they cannot beat the collaborative efforts of the Agencies. In addition, I will entreat the Heads of the various Security Services to ensure that such miscreants are fished out and removed from the Security Services as a matter urgency" "Ladies and gentlemen, due to recurring instability and violent terrorist activities in the Sahel regions, Inland Check Points have been mounted at some major roads in the country to check the infiltration of the spillover insurgents that might to attempt to enter the country" Mr. Dery revealed that the Ghana Immigration Service is making efforts to open more of such Inland Check Points. "We will therefore appeal to the travelling public to be patient with Immigration Officers at the various Check Points. I also want to use this occasion to warn Immigration Officers who have been harassing and extorting monies from passengers to desist from doing that" "Any officer found culpable of misconduct would be dealt according to the law" "I present these vehicles to the Comptroller-General for the use of Commissioners, all the 19 Regional Commanders, Kyebi and Tepa Training Schools and Heads of key Departments of the Service" "The vehicles are 23 Toyota Land Cruisers GXR, 3 Toyota Land Cruisers Twin Turbo, 1 Toyota Land Cruiser VXS, 1 Toyota Tundra, and 2 Toyota Double Cabin Pick-ups" He stressed that the government is aware of the challenges GIS faces in the area of logistics, office and residential accommodation, among others. "We are therefore committed to finding reasonable and realistic means of solving these of challenges so that you would continuously avail yourselves to manage and protect the borders of the country" "Ladies and gentlemen, The Government of H.E Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo has transformed and empowered the Ghana Immigration Service in a manner that is unprecedented" "As part of the Government’s effort to enhance the tactical and confidence building capabalities of personnel, His Royal Majesty Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin II, the Okyehene has allocated 167 acres of land for the establishment of the Immigration Tactical Training School at Kyebi" "In another development, I wish to thank Nana Adusei Atwenewa Apem I , Tepa Omanhene for the release of the Old Tepa Cocoa Hospital, with the support of appropriate agencies, to the Ghana Immigration Service for the establishment of the Mid- Country Training School at Tepa" On his part, Comptroller-General of the Ghana Immigration Service, Kwame Asuah Takyi said "The Government’s commitment to provide and retool the Service is manifested in what we are witnessing this afternoon" "We are very happy to see these new vehicles to be added to our fleet of vehicles. We have waited for this day to come and finally it is here.  I must say that delivering vital support of this nature to the Service, will no doubt be able to meet our operational and administrative needs in protecting our borders and combating crimes in the country" "I will enjoin all well-meaning individuals and corporate bodies to also lend a hand of support to the Service, for when the borders are secured, the country is safe.  As you are aware, the Government cannot do it all alone, as security is a shared responsibility" "Hon. Minister, transportation plays a crucial role in border security by positioning personnel for decisive operations, assisting commanders to effectively monitor personnel and for border patrols. Inadequate logistics are major setback in effective monitoring and border patrols, but we thank the Government for the gradual improvement in our logistical constraints" "Ladies and gentlemen: recent developments in our Northern neighbouring countries points to the urgent need for more logistical support to strategize for a common goal of dealing with threats to our safety, peace and security at our borders especially at the Northern Frontiers" "The provision of these vehicles reinforce the Government’s belief in our mission and recognizes the pivotal role we play in safeguarding our nation’s borders. To me, the vehicles represent a catalyst for progress, a tool that will significantly enhance our efficiency, effectiveness and renewed pledge to uphold the trust of the Government and people of Ghana in fulfilling our mandate. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Ministry of Finance has held a one-day workshop on the 2024 budget statement and economic policy for members of IFEJ, Parliamentary Press Corps and Public Affairs of Parliament. The one-day workshop was held at the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC) on Tuesday. In a speech read on behalf of the Chief Director of the Ministry of Finance, Eva Mends; Acting director of budget, Thomas Appiagyei said "The Budget Statement as we know is on the authority of His Excellency the President of the Republic of Ghana in accordance with Section 28 of the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 921)" "The Budget under the theme, 'pursuing growth and development within a stable macroeconomic environment' is in two volumes and has outlined many policy actions that will result in growth in a macroeconomically stable environment. Volume one is the usual version of the budget we are familiar with and volume two highlights the sectoral performances of the MDAs from 2017 to date" He added that the rationale behind the volume two was to provide Ghanaians an update on projects and programmes undertaken by the various MDAs and their impact on the economy. He hinted that through that, people will appreciate what government uses their taxes for, as evidence of the work done for all to see. "After the budget presentation we have had a number of vibrant media commentaries that show the keen interest with which the general public, especially key stakeholders, followed the budget. I personally don’t want the momentum to die, because they help us plan to make the needed adjustment and explanations here and there" "This morning’s technical briefing will look at the overview of the budget and the macro fiscal performance envisaged for 2024 budget, our way forward with the IMF under the PC-PEG, and the key priorities for 2024" "Clearly, as the Hon. Minister has been saying, we’ve turned the corner with macroeconomic indicators moving in right directions; Inflation has steadily decreased from high of 54.1% in Dec. 2022, to 38.1% (end Sept 2023); Exchange rate has stabilized with a modest depreciation of 4.7% (since February, 2022); Economic growth has been resilient and exceeded projections. We can beat our chest that by all indications our future growth prospects are certainly brighter" Mr. Appiagyei also noted that the budget has spelt out several policy interventions that will culminate into growth in a macroeconomic stable environment. These, he stated include a raft of tax measures, including reductions, to cushion citizens as the economy leaps gradually from recovery to stability. "These good policies must be communicated in a deliberate and intentional manner to Ghanaians. You will do Ghana and yourselves the greatest disservice if you engage in commentaries without getting the source of your information right and that is why we have gathered here for this all-important national assignment" "Several stakeholder groups, including academia, Information Services Department, and members of parliament, would be taken through the overview of the Budget Statement, Macro fiscals and update on the IMF engagement and the Debt issues, as part of our standard practice under Post-Budget Sensitization programmes" Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Six people have been confirmed dead in a fresh shooting incident at Nkwanta South in the Oti Region. According to eyewitnesses, armed assailants opened fire on residents at the Nkwanta Central Market early this morning. Several properties have been destroyed and residents have fled for safety leaving behind a ghost town. A police officer and five others are in critical condition after suffering bullet wounds in the shootout. The victims are currently receiving treatment at the Nkwanta St. Joseph Catholic Hospital. The region has witnessed tribal conflicts involving the Adele, Challa, and Akyode ethnic groups over land litigation issues. However, in recent time contention about a Yam Festival being organized by the Akyode people in the Nkwanta town had led to fresh skirmishes. Despite attempts by the Oti Regional Security Council to resolve the issue, skirmishes have continued to plague the town. According to the Oti Regional Minister, Joshua Mukubu, the Oti Regional Secuirty Council has deployed personnel to investigate the trigger for this new attack. He added that the REGSEC has also consulted chiefs and other opinion leaders in the area to urge residents put down their guns and restore peace. In the meantime, police and military personnel have been deployed to maintain peace and ensure the safety of residents. Credit: Myjoyonline

The Interior Ministry has imposed a curfew on the Nkwanta township in the Oti Region. The curfew, as announced in a release took effect on Tuesday, November 21 from 5:00 pm to 6:00 am. This follows the death of six persons in a fresh shooting incident at the Nkwanta South Municipality. A ban has also been placed on the carrying of arms and ammunition or any offensive weapons. According to eyewitnesses, armed assailants opened fire on residents at the Nkwanta Central Market early this morning. Several properties have been destroyed and residents have fled for safety leaving behind a ghost town. A police officer and five others are in critical condition after suffering bullet wounds in the shootout. The Interior Ministry in this regard, appealed “to all to exercise restraint and to use the established mechanisms for the resolution of all their conflicts and disputes.” It also reiterated that there is a ban on all persons in Nkwanta Township and its environs from carrying arms, ammunition or any offensive weapons, adding that any persons found with any arms or ammunition will be arrested and prosecuted. Credit: Myjoyonline

Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Bagbin, has urged the Majority Leader, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, to cooperate with the Minority side to avoid stalemates. Speaking in Parliament earlier today, Mr. Bagbin said the failure of the Majority Leader to ensure his members were present in the house during the ongoing 2024 budget debate was evidence that he was ‘limping’ in his role. According to the Speaker, following the New Patriotic Party’s presidential primaries, loyalties are shifting from the incumbent, President Akufo-Addo, to the party’s flagbearer, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. This he attributed to the MPs deserting their obligation to the 'lame duck' Akufo-Addo administration. He noted that it is at such a precarious juncture that the Majority side would need to build bridges and seek consensus with the opposition to avoid halting government business. “I expect the majority who have a limping majority leader, limping because when you look at his back you’re less than those in front of you. “You have a lame duck president, a lame duck because you have elected a flagbearer and loyalty and commitment are shifting. So your president is now lame duck president. “You need this side of the house to support you to finish your eight years. And so if you don’t behave well we have a difficulty in proceeding as a nation,” he said. He assured the NPP MPs that he would not allow the NDC MPs bully them in the house due to their low numbers. “Please, I expect you to cooperate; I will not allow them to bully you. You’ll get sufficient time to put across your case,” he said. Credit: Myjoyonline

Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources in charge of Mines, George Mireku Duker says government is prepared to collaborate with any country, organization or individual to combat the illegal mining menace in the country. Mr. Duker made these remarks while addressing the media after holding a meeting with some officials from the London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) in Accra on Tuesday. “Whiles the government continue to court International and local support to deal with the menance, it has proactively executed some measures and policies which are already bearing fruits”, Explaining further, he cited Community Mining Scheme, Operation Halt II, recruitment of river wardens, purchasing and handing out of mercury free machines also known as Gold Katcha among others as some of the measures as outlined to deal with illegal mining in the country. “They have indicated that they are ready to support us ensure that we have a very sanitized mining industry; that is refreshing, especially because their support will be towards the protection of our river bodies. They have given us experiences from Peru and other countries and that is great”, the Deputy Minister stated. Another offer from the LBMA delegation is their resolve to establish a Mineral Refinery centre in Ghana. Hon. Duker explained that their offer aligns perfectly with the policy currently being pursued by government which is moving the country from resource production to resource refinery or value addition. He stated that the government of Ghana will facilitate the establishment of the refinery and encourage Ghanaian partnership to ensure its success. “Another aspect that is great news is the establishment of small-scale refinery in the country. We will ensure that Ghanaians partner with them to have it established" "We want to have a regime where other countries will see Ghana as a hub. Countries like South Africa, South Sudan and others have been here to learn how we been doing our work”, Mr. Neil Harby, the Chief Technical Officer of LBMA said the LBMA is prepared to make their presence felt in the Ghanaian Mining Small Scale Architecture. He stressed that his outfit has the Artisanal Small-Scale Mining initiative that aims to establish refineries and protecting the environment through the promotion of responsible small-scale mining activities. "The refineries will help develop the communities and contribute to the country’s socio-economic growth" Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Some chiefs from the Wassa Fiase Traditional Area in the Prestea Huni Valley Municipality, have appealed to the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources (MNLR) investigate into the suspension of operations of Future Global Resources (FGR), a Mining company based in Bogoso Prestea Huni Valley of the Westerns Region. The chiefs made these revelations after paying a courtesy call on the Ministry. Speaking on behalf of the Delegation, Nana Nteboa Pra IV, Chief of Himan Presta said "Our lease agreement is not being followed and judging from their level of operations, he fears the miners operations will soon come to a halt and this may lead to unemployment, undevelopement among others which they are concerned could degenerate into full-scale security crisis in the area if nothing is done" "We are ready to assist the Mine in any way we can to have the company running again, even if it means injecting some capital into their operations" The chief stressed that they want to also record success stories from the Mining company as recorded in other communities with Mining companies. "We know that when they start working effectively, we will also see development and that's what we all want" They commended government for stating in the 2024 budget to build and repair road and various mining communities of which the Prestea Huni Valley Municipality is a part of. Receiving their request, Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources in charge of Mines, George Mireku Duker on behalf of the sector Minister said "The Ministry will probe the concerns by the chiefs and take necessary actions to address the situation" "We will not take this lightly or sweep it under the carpet. We will ensure that we address this concern and get to the root of the it" He stated emphatically. "My sector minister, Samuel A. Jinapor will be briefed on issues raised and the other party being FGR will also be invited to state their part of the story and help make better decisions on the matter, which also foster good working relations in the area" He lauded the chiefs for not taking matters into their own hands but following due protocols to get their grievances resolved. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Government has announced plans to roll out E-Jobs4All (Entrepreneurship Jobs for All) for youths in mining regions across the country on Tuesday (28 November) in Accra. Under the initiative, 10,000 youths will be trained in entrepreneurship and innovation over a period of 5 years in mining regions. The initiative represents a significant partnership between National Alternative Employment and Livelihood Programme (NAELP), Community and Entrepreneurship Development Initiative (CEDI), Dunin Desphande Queens Innovation Centre (DDQIC) at Queens University, Canada and Leadogo Incorporated Canada. A statement issued by NAELP on Monday (20 November) said the intiative addresses its core mandate which is promotion of sustainable and resilient jobs in mining communities. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Police have arrested Seidu Musah alias Gaswan in connection with the attack on the coach of Nsoatreman FC, Maxwell Konadu. The suspect, together with one other person, currently on the run, attacked the coach during a football game on Sunday, 19th November 2023, at the Sunyani Coronation Park. Police in a statement said Seidu Musah is currently in custody assisting with investigations “while efforts are still ongoing to get the other suspect arrested to face justice, and we will surely get him.” The former Black Stars head coach was beaten to a pulp by some fans of Bofoakwa Tano in the week eleven clash of the Ghana Premier League at the Sunyani Coronation Park. Nsoatreman held Bofoakwa Tano to a goalless draw, securing the second spot on the league table and staying above Bofoakwa Tano, who has had an impressive start to the 2023/2024 season. After the final whistle, some fans, displeased with the results, took to the field to attack the referee, Referee Robert Musey, and his assistants and then went ahead to mercilessly beat Maxwell Konadu. Furthermore, the Ghana Football Association has implemented an immediate temporary ban on Bofoakwa Tano FC from utilizing the Sunyani Coronation Park as its home venue. Credit: Citinewsroom

The Ghana Police Service has announced that they are in hot pursuit of the two suspects who manhandled and brutally assaulted Maxwell Konadu, the head coach of Nsoatreman. Police, in a statement, said two people have been identified as suspects, and they are on a manhunt for them. The former Black Stars head coach was beaten to a pulp by some fans of Bofoakwa Tano in the week eleven clash of the Ghana Premier League at the Sunyani Coronation Park. Nsoatreman held Bofoakwa Tano to a goalless draw, securing the second spot on the league table and staying above Bofoakwa Tano, who has had an impressive start to the 2023/2024 season. After the final whistle, some fans, displeased with the results, took to the field to attack the referee, Referee Robert Musey, and his assistants and then went ahead to mercilessly beat Maxwell Konadu. Furthermore, the Ghana Football Association has implemented an immediate temporary ban on Bofoakwa Tano FC from utilizing the Sunyani Coronation Park as its home venue. Credit: Citinewsroom