The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has held a workshop on gender issues for its personnel (focal persons) in the Northern sector in Kumasi.
The workshop is intended to strengthen the capacity of Gender-Based Violence and Protection (GBVP) from Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment (SEAH) and focal persons, to effectively address mainstream gender issues, prevention and response to GBVP-SEAH related issues.
It was facilitated by Dr. Angela Dwamena-Aboagye, Esq., Executive Director, Ark Foundation Ghana; an NGO that seeks to address women’s human rights in Ghana.
DCOI Fred Amankwa, Ashanti Regional Commander, GIS disclosed that the call for zero tolerance is derived from the values and norms of the UN Charter, which governs the actions of the UN, noting that the Charter reaffirms fundamental human rights in the dignity and worth of the human beings and equal rights of men and women.
He indicated that the Charter requires the UN to establish conditions under which justice and respect for the obligations arising from treaties and other sources of international laws can be maintained.
The GIS Commander further explained that Gender-based violence is an act of gender-based discrimination and violation of human rights and international laws, noting that as a security agency at the forefront of border management, the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) does not only enforce immigration laws, but also protect the vulnerable.
DCOI Amankwa disclosed that in their (GIS) daily operations at the borders, within communities and in handling migrants, returnees and asylum seekers, personnel encounter persons who have experienced various forms of abuse, with GIS response to them defining its professionalism and humanity, hence the role of Gender-Based Violence and Protection from Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment (GBV-PSEAH) “focal person” being indispensable.
According to him, Focal persons are the eyes, ears and conscience of GIS, noting that they ensure that officers uphold the highest standards of conduct, as well as handle victims with dignity, confidentiality and respect.
Mr Amankwa noted that the biennial coordinating meeting is, therefore, not a routine, but an opportunity to discuss the new GBV-PSEAH Unit, which will be launched on September 16, 2026, and also strengthen GIS reporting, referral pathways and intelligence coordination and reconnection for prevention of cases.
The Regional Commander indicated that GIS remains committed to supporting this mandate, noting that his outfit would continue to provide necessary leadership, logistics and cooperation to ensure that all reported cases are addressed properly, and that continuous training is provided to partners and sponsors.
Speaking to the media, ASI Barbara Akuffo-Asante, Ashanti Regional Gender Focal Person disclosed that when one encounters an abuse from an Immigration officer or civilian, a complaint must be lodged at the nearest Immigration office.
She stressed that gender based abuse does not only occur in the offices, but also at the border because when migrants are crossing over, they experience such cases.
ASI Akuffo-Asante urged individuals or migrants not to hesitate to get in touch with a gender focal person at the border, when they feel threatened or exploited, noting that one’s status as an immigrant, does not prevent them from reporting such cases.
From Oswald P. Freiku, Kumasi
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