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1,089 foreign nationals arrested, repatriated over illegal entry into Ghana
About 1,089 foreign nationals who entered Ghana through unapproved routes have so far been intercepted and repatriated by the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) in the Bono Region.
The foreign migrants made up of 240 Burkinabes, 506 Togolese, 224 Ivoirians, 50 Guineans, 30 Nigeriens, 30 Nigerians and nine Malians who are mainly farm hands were arrested between March 31 and the second week of May.
Among the figure was the Bono Region’s first COVID-19 case recorded in March 20, 2020.
The Bono Regional Commander of GIS, Assistant Commissioner of Immigration (ACI) Charles Yaw Bediako disclosed this to the Ghanaian Times here in Sunyani yesterday.
The Regional Commander said the foreigners were able to enter the country through the support of their Ghanaian counterparts resident at the border who aided them with the use of motor bikes and tricycles.
Mr Bediako said as a result about 23 motor bikes and tricycles have so far been confiscated.
The Regional Immigration boss noted that although the driver unions have been warned against picking foreigners at their various stations, the directives have gone unheeded making it difficult for the practice to be stopped.
He called on the people especially those resident at the border to abide by the call by the President to be citizens of the country by stopping the ungodly practice in order to prevent a further surge in cases of COVID-19 in the country.
Meanwhile, Immigration Officers on duty at the Berekum check point on Friday arrested a 48- year-old ford driver Kwaku Antwi for attempting to bribe officers with GH¢1,700.00.
He was arrested for carrying 17 foreign nationals who were travelling from Cote D’Ivoire to Sankase in the Northern Region.
The commander at the Berekum checkpoint, Assistant Superintendent of Immigration Isaac Osei Asamoah who briefed the Ghanaian Times on the arrest said the driver would be processed for court to serve as a deterrent to other drivers who may be contemplating on engaging in similar acts.
FROM DANIEL DZIRASAH, BEREKUM
The African Women Leaders Network (AWLN) Ghana Chapter has called for stronger action to protect the rights of women and girls and promote gender equality in the country.
The call was made in a statement issued in Accra to mark International Women’s Day 2026, celebrated globally under the theme “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls.”
Signed by its Chairperson, Dr Charity Binka, the statement said although progress had been made in advancing gender equality, many women and girls still faced barriers that limited their full participation in society.
It said the theme for this year’s celebration served as both a moment of reflection and a call to action for stakeholders to intensify efforts to protect the rights of women and girls.
The Network noted that Ghana had taken important steps toward gender equality, including the passage of the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act aimed at increasing women’s representation and participation in decision-making.
However, the network stressed that legislation alone was not enough and called for effective implementation, public awareness and institutional accountability to ensure the law translated into real opportunities for women and girls.
It, therefore urged the full implementation of the Affirmative Action Act to increase women’s representation in governance, leadership and public life.
It called for stronger access to justice for women and girls, including protection against gender-based violence and discrimination.
The network further advocated greater investment in girls’ education, digital inclusion and economic empowerment programmes for women, particularly through support for women entrepreneurs and improved access to finance.
Meanwhile, the President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Albert Dwumfour, has paid tribute to women in the media for their dedication and professionalism.
In a message to commemorate the International Women’s Day, he commended women journalists and communication professionals for their courage in amplifying voices, telling important stories and shaping public discourse.
“To every women in journalism and the communication profession, thank you for the courage, professionalism and dedication you bring to informing our society,” he said.
Mr Dwumfour added that the contributions of women journalists continued to inspire the next generation and strengthen the media for women and girls in society, calling for sustained efforts to promote equality, respect and opportunities for women and girls in society.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
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INCREASING spate of road accidents, high rate of teenage pregnancies are worrying health issues confronting health workers in the Amansie South district of the Ashanti region. Road accident cases accounted for about 80 per cent of emergency cases in 2025, while a total of 728 teenage pregnancies were recorded in the district during the same period.
Mr Ofosu Kwabi Nasas, the District Director of Health Services, who announced these worrying trends in the district, said five deaths were recorded in these road accidents.
• Bishop Owusu Akyeaw
He was speaking at the 2025 annual performance review meeting of the health directorate at Manso-Adubia.
Mr Nasas expressed concern over the high rate of motor accidents in the district, attributing part of the problem to the poor state of road networks.
He said the dilapidated roads did not only contribute to accidents but also delayed timely access to healthcare services.
He therefore, appealed to the government to prioritise road rehabilitation within the district to help reduce accidents and improve emergency response.
Mr Nasas said the district recorded 728 cases of teenage pregnancies in 2025, describing the situation as alarming and a significant public health concern.
He urged parents and guardians to intensify supervision and guidance of their children to help curb the growing trend.
He emphasised that, stronger parental involvement, community education, and collaboration among stakeholders would be essential in addressing the issue and safeguarding the future of young girls in the district.
The Health Director further lamented the challenges facing healthcare workers in the district, particularly the high cost of accommodation because of the area’s active mining activities.
He explained that, high rent had made it difficult for many health professionals to secure affordable housing, forcing some to request for transfers to other districts.
He appealed to the government and relevant authorities to consider providing housing support for health workers to retain skilled personnel and ensure effective healthcare delivery.
In addition to housing challenges, Mr Nasas noted that, the district was currently facing a shortage of healthcare personnel.
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