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COP Lydia Donkor leads Ghana-Nigeria partnership to fight human trafficking
The Director-General of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service, Commissioner of Police (COP) Lydia Yaako Donkor, has revealed that Ghana and Nigeria have deepened their collaboration to combat human trafficking across West Africa.
In a post on her official Facebook page, COP Donkor said the new partnership was sealed during a high-level bilateral meeting between the CID and the Nigeria Police Force in Abuja on November 6, 2025.
The meeting, co-chaired by her and Deputy Inspector-General of Police Sadiq Abubakar, was the first formal dialogue between the two nations dedicated solely to the fight against human trafficking.
She explained that both countries examined the growing link between human trafficking and cybercrime and agreed to strengthen intelligence sharing, coordinate joint operations, fast-track prosecutions, and enhance victim protection.
According to COP Donkor, “This collaboration marks a significant step forward in our collective effort to tackle human trafficking. It reinforces our shared commitment to protect vulnerable persons and dismantle transnational criminal networks.”
Since her appointment in March 2025, COP Donkor has prioritized human trafficking as one of Ghana’s most pressing security and human-rights concerns.
A review under her leadership showed that by mid-2025, the CID had rescued 131 victims of sex trafficking and cyber-enabled fraud, most of them from Nigeria, as well as 159 victims of labour trafficking. Additionally, 113 Ghanaians were identified as victims of Q-NET-related recruitment scams from the subregion.
The CID, she said, has since intensified efforts to fight cross-border trafficking through proactive policing, early detection, and closer cooperation with both local and international partners.
COP Donkor, who recently became the first Ghanaian and only female officer elected to the INTERPOL Africa Committee, noted that Ghana remains committed to building regional partnerships that support preventive policing and protect the rights of trafficking victims.
She added that the Abuja meeting “marks a turning point for Ghana-Nigeria cooperation” and demonstrates both nations’ determination to fight human trafficking and cybercrime together.
By: Jacob Aggrey
For the first time in its seven-year history, the celebrated Guinea Fowl Bazaar has been brought to Accra, marking a significant expansion of an event that has, for the past six years, been a staple in Tamale.
The two-day cultural and culinary festival, held from May 1–2, drew over 500 patrons and featured nearly 20 vendors, to promote Northern Ghana’s rich food culture particularly guinea fowl delicacies.
Hosted by By Faith Catering Services, the bazaar brought together traditional leaders, cultural groups, food entrepreneurs, and government representatives in a display of heritage and enterprise.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Angelo Dogbe, the Northern Regional Director of the Ghana Tourism Authority underscored the importance of promoting indigenous cuisine as a tool for economic development and cultural preservation. Chiefs from the Northern Region also graced the occasion, lending traditional authority and reinforcing the cultural significance of the festival.
A major highlight of the bazaar was a series of captivating cultural performances representing the diverse tribes of the Northern Region. Attendees were treated to traditional music, dance, and attire, transforming the venue into a lively tapestry of Northern identity and pride.
Vendors expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity to showcase their products to a new audience in the capital. Many noted increased visibility, networking opportunities, and strong sales throughout the two-day event.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of By Faith Catering Services, Mrs. Matilda Zenabu Pipio described the Accra edition as a strategic move to broaden the reach of the festival and create new economic pathways for vendors and producers from the north.
She announced plans to make the Accra bazaar an annual event, emphasizing its potential to boost employment, promote guinea fowl production, and introduce more Ghanaians to the unique flavours of Northern cuisine.
She said, the event is a platform for cultural exchange, economic empowerment, and national unity through food.
She commended partners and called on more organisers to support and invest in initiatives like this.
Meanwhile, the organizers of Guinea fowl Bazaar paid a courtesy call to the Editor of Spectator, Mrs. Georgina Naa-Maku Quaittoo and Mr. David Adadevoh, Acting Editor of The Ghanaian Times.
Both editors lauded the initiatives and encouraged the organizers to sustain it.
Organizers for the initiative and called on stakeholders and cooperate bodies to support this good course.
By Geoffrey Buta.
MTN Ghana has hosted more than 200 students from various educational institutions in Accra for an engaging, hands-on technology immersion at MTN House, bringing classroom theory to life and fueling interest in STEM and digital innovation.
Students from Ashesi University, Ghana International School, Cradle Star Academy, and Kinderland School explored MTN Ghana’s rich history, core values, customer-focused innovations, and digital transformation agenda.
They were introduced to the company’s sustainability and social impact initiatives, spanning education, youth empowerment and community development. A key highlight of the visits was a tour of MTN Ghana’s Network Operations Centre (NOC) and data centres.
The students gained first-hand exposure to the advanced technology, systems, and expertise powering seamless connectivity for millions daily – offering a rare look into how MTN ensures network performance, security, and resilience.
Speaking on the initiative, the Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer at MTN Ghana, Adwoa Wiafe, noted, “Hosting students at MTN House reflects our commitment to shaping Ghana’s digital future. As we deliver our Ambition 2030 strategy, we are deepening investments in youth development through programmes like the Bright Scholarship, the MTN Digital Skills Academy, and collaborations on the One Million Coders Programme and the Girls in ICT initiative led by the Ministry of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation.”
Paschal Paaga, Manager for IT Projects Implementation, emphasised the importance of experiential learning.
‘’By opening our doors, we are helping to bridge the gap between academia and industry. We want young people to see the real-world impact of technology and be inspired to pursue careers in STEM.”
For many participants, the experience was transformative. Maame Sapomaa, a Level 300 Information Systems student from Ashesi University, shared, “The visit was incredibly inspiring. Everything we have learned in the classroom came to life, and we were exposed to new concepts beyond our studies. It has motivated me even more to pursue a career in technology.”
As MTN Ghana advances its Ambition 2030 vision, the company remains committed to driving digital inclusion, platform-led innovation, and building strategic partnerships that support Ghana’s long-term socio-economic development.
