Ghana’s immigration service launches sex prevention policy

Ghana Immigration Service launches policy to prevent sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment (PSEAH)

Accra, Ghana, September 27, 2024 – The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS), with the support of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), has launched a Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment Policy (PSEAH). The policy, a first in GIS history, is designed to create a safe and respectful environment for both GIS staff and the diverse populations GIS officers interact with in their daily work, including migrants, people in transit and vulnerable groups.

In detail, the objectives of the GIS PSEAH policy are: 1) Prevention: to establish proactive measures to prevent incidents of sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment within GIS operations; 2) Protection: ensuring the safety and well-being of all persons involved in GIS operations, especially vulnerable groups, including women and children; 3) Accountability: creating clear mechanisms for reporting, investigating and addressing PSEAH incidents; and 4) Support: Providing comprehensive support to survivors of sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.

“The launch of this policy reaffirms our commitment to fostering a workplace culture that is respectful, supportive and free from harassment of any kind. I must say that the Ghana Immigration Service values ​​the rights and dignity of every individual and we will do everything humanly possible to protect them,” said Kwame Asuah Takyi, Comptroller General of the Ghana Immigration Service.

The policy includes robust training programs, efficient reporting mechanisms, standardized procedures for investigating and responding to PSEAH reports, as well as comprehensive support systems for those affected.

“IOM has supported GIS in the development of the policy, and will continue to support the agency in its implementation – to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the policy, and to ensure its adaptability. Together we can create a safer environment for all, GIS officers, border community members, migrants, displaced persons, refugees and other people on the move,” said Fatou Diallo Ndiaye, Chief of Mission of IOM Ghana. She added: “I am optimistic about the positive changes this policy will bring, and the example it will set for other national institutions.”

The launch of the PSEAH policy is timely. On September 19, 2024, the President of the Republic of Ghana and the Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces, HE Nana Addo-Dankwa Akufo-Addo, endorsed the Affirmative Action Bill, which aims to achieve gender equality in the social sector. , political, economic, educational and cultural areas.

The PSEAH policy was developed and launched with support from the US Department of State Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement (INL) and the IOM Migration Health Assessment Program.

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For more information please contact:

At IOM: Japhet Ayele, IOM Ghana, at [email protected], or by telephone at +233 531 009 118

At GIS: Supt Michael Amoako-Atta, Head of Public Affairs, Ghana Immigration Service, at [email protected], or by phone at +233 55 502 7024