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Gender Ministry, IOM, deepen partnership to tackle human trafficking, gender equality
The Chief of Mission for the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Ghana, Madam Fatou Diallo Ndiaye, has led a delegation to pay a courtesy call on the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey.
The visit was to officially congratulate the Minister on her appointment and to rekindle the strong partnership between the Ministry and IOM.
Discussions focused on strengthening collaboration in areas of mutual interest, particularly in the fight against human trafficking, child protection, and the promotion of gender equality.
Both parties also explored joint strategies to combat child trafficking and streetism, and discussed how multi-stakeholder collaboration could significantly reduce the menace.
The conversation also highlighted the growing concern of trafficking in sports, with a commitment to collaborate with the Ministry of Sports and Recreation to tackle the issue from the grassroots.
Madam Ndiaye commended the Ministry for its relentless efforts in preventing human trafficking and protecting vulnerable populations.
She reaffirmed IOM’s commitment to providing technical and financial assistance to enhance the Ministry’s work in these critical areas.
The Chief of Mission further expressed IOM’s readiness to support reintegration programmes for victims of trafficking and to work with the Ministry to address issues related to alleged witches camps.
Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey praised IOM for its continued support to the Ministry over the years. She noted the government’s plan to expand existing shelters and establish new ones across all 16 regions to ensure rapid response and care for victims of abuse and trafficking.
“The Ministry is like the moral fibre of society, and our actions or inactions can have far-reaching consequences. Let’s do our best to rewrite history and leave a mark,” the Minister said.
She further announced plans to engage other relevant institutions—including the Ministries of Labour, Jobs & Employment, Youth and Recreation, and the Interior—to strengthen migrant protection mechanisms.
As part of the renewed collaboration, the Minister also hinted at the rollout of a robust capacity-building programme, in partnership with IOM, to train Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) on effective migration management within their communities.
The meeting ended with both parties expressing a strong commitment to deepening cooperation to safeguard the rights and dignity of all, especially the most vulnerable.
Also present at the meeting were the Chief Director of the Ministry, Dr. Afisah Zakariah, the Head of the Human Trafficking Secretariat, Madam Abena Annobea Asare as well as the Head of the Social Protection Directorate.
![Mrs Georgina Quaittoo [third from right] pose with some members of the Association Photos Okai Elizabeth.](https://spectator.com.gh/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Mrs-Georgina-Quaittoo-third-from-right-pose-with-some-members-of-the-Association-Photos-Okai-Elizabeth-400x240.jpg)
![Mrs Georgina Quaittoo [third from right] pose with some members of the Association Photos Okai Elizabeth.](https://spectator.com.gh/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Mrs-Georgina-Quaittoo-third-from-right-pose-with-some-members-of-the-Association-Photos-Okai-Elizabeth-80x80.jpg)
![Mrs Georgina Quaittoo [third from right] pose with some members of the Association Photos Okai Elizabeth.](https://spectator.com.gh/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Mrs-Georgina-Quaittoo-third-from-right-pose-with-some-members-of-the-Association-Photos-Okai-Elizabeth.jpg)
THE Times Ladies Association, a group consisting of female staff of the New Times Corporation (NTC), on Monday commemorated this year’s International Women’s Day with a call on women to empower themselves through education, unity and healthy living to contribute meaningfully to national development.
The event, held at the NTC’s boardroom, was attended by management members and staff of the corporation and was to celebrate the achievements of women and reflect on their role in society.
In her address, the President of the association, Mrs Georgina N.M Quaittoo, said the global celebration, marked annually on March 8, recognised the economic, political and social achievements of women while raising awareness about gender equality.
Although the international celebration fell on Sunday, she explained that the association decided to mark the occasion on March 9 to enable members to participate fully and commemorate the day in their own way.
Speaking on this year’s theme: ‘Rights. Justice. Action. For All Women and Girls,’ and the global campaign theme: ‘Give to Gain,’ she the association had over the years worked tirelessly to support the growth and progress of the corporation despite the challenges they faced.
Urged members to commit themselves to deeper service to humanity and the advancement of women. She said women were unique, resilient and invaluable to society, stating that they deserved respect, appreciation, kindness and love for the vital roles they played in families, workplaces and communities.
According to her, members of the President, who is also the Editor of The Spectator newspaper, encouraged members to empower themselves academically and take advantage of opportunities to improve their lives and careers.
She also urged them to maintain healthy lifestyles by going for regular medical check-ups, exercise regularly, get enough rest and support one another.
Moreover, she advised members to accept leadership positions when given the opportunity and to exhibit qualities such as hard work, confidence, patience, compassion and responsibility in both their homes and workplaces.
Contributing, the Chanel Marketing and Circulation Manager, Mr Alfred Koomson, said women played critical roles in society and deserved to be supported and appreciated.
He urged men to recognise that they were often vulnerable species without the care, support and contributions of women in their lives.
He, therefore, commended women for the invaluable roles they play as mothers, caregivers, professionals and leaders, stressing that society would be incomplete without them.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
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GHANA celebrated her 69th Independence Anniversary last Friday with colourful parades across all 16 regions of the country.
This year’s theme: ‘Reflect, Review, Reset,’ emphasised the importance of reflecting on the nation’s journey, assessing its current state, and planning for a brighter future.
At the Jubilee House, dignitaries present were President John Mahama, Vice President Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, former Presidents, Akufo-Addo and John Agyekum Kufuor, behalf of the President, former President of Tanzania, and other distinguished guests.
The President, John Dramani Mahama, addressed the nation at the seat of government whiles Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives addressed their various assemblies on.
As part of the celebrations, school children paraded and displayed their marching skills whiles others performed cultural and other social activities to mark the day across the regions.
