Accra, Ghana, 27 September 2024 – The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS), with support from the International Organization for Migration (IOM), launched a Policy on the Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment (PSEAH). A first of its kind in GIS’s history, the policy was designed to create a safe and respectful environment for both GIS staff and the diverse populations GIS officers are interacting with in their daily work, including migrants, people on the move and vulnerable groups.

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

“The launch of this Policy reaffirms our dedication 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, Ghana Immigration Service.

The Policy encompasses 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 Service in its implementation - to monitor and evaluate the policy's effectiveness, and to ensure its adaptability. Together, we can create a safer environment for everyone, GIS officer, 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 about, and the example it will provide for other national institutions.”

The launch of the PSEAH Policy comes timely. On 19 September 2024, the President of the Republic of Ghana and the Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces, H.E. Nana Addo-Dankwa Akufo-Addo, assented to the Affirmative Action Bill, which aims to achieve gender equality in the social, political, economic, educational, and cultural spheres.

The PSEAH Policy was developed and launched thanks to the support from the U.S. 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 jayele@iom.int, or via phone on +233 531 009 118

At GIS: Supt Michael Amoako-Atta, Head of Public Affairs, Ghana Immigration Service, at mikesbridge2020@yahoo.com, or via phone on +233 55 502 7024