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Institute of African Studies pays courtesy call on Gender Minister
A delegation from the Institute of African Studies at the University of Ghana, led by Professor Samuel Aniegye Ntewusu, paid a courtesy call on the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey at her office.
The visit yesterday was to congratulate her on her appointment as Minister and to commend her outstanding performance during her time as a student at the Institute.
The meeting also explored potential areas of collaboration between the Ministry and the Institute.
Discussions focused on how the Ministry could leverage the Institute’s research to inform policy and drive evidence-based decision-making.
Key thematic areas included gender equality—particularly in light of ongoing curriculum reforms in STEM education—as well as inclusion, climate change, and advocacy.
The issue of streetism was raised, with the delegation expressing concern over its link to social vices.
Professor Ntewusu expressed confidence in the Minister’s capabilities, noting that her deep understanding of social issues and policy frameworks uniquely positions her to lead the Ministry in aligning the nation’s developmental agenda with inclusive protection for vulnerable populations, including persons with disabilities and children.
In her remarks, Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey thanked the Institute for the visit and for the knowledge and principles imparted to her during her academic journey.
“I am not just a product of the system but a proud one. I remain focused on working with you to ensure the rights of all Ghanaians—especially the vulnerable—are fully protected, as espoused by H.E. the President,” she said.
The Minister further assured the delegation of her commitment to strengthening partnerships with the Institute, particularly in the area of research, to enhance the Ministry’s impact.
Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey reaffirmed the Ministry’s intention to adopt a cross-sectoral, inter-ministerial approach to address the challenge of street is comprehensively.
Significant attention was also given to addressing conflict and violence against women and girls, with sexual and domestic abuse highlighted as critical concerns.
The delegation and the Minister also deliberated on increasing access to affordable land for farming and housing to economically empower more women.
The visit ended on a hopeful note, with both parties expressing a strong commitment to deepening collaboration.
The family of Ambassador James Victor Gbeho, a distinguished statesman and diplomat, has paid a courtesy call on President John Dramani Mahama. They officially informed him of his passing.
The delegation, representing the Gbeho family, noted that it was culturally and diplomatically important to formally notify the President of the loss before making a public announcement of his death.
Ambassador Gbeho was a towering figure in Ghanaian and international politics. He served in many diplomatic missions, including New York. He was Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, a Member of Parliament for the Anlo constituency, and President (formerly Executive Secretary) of the ECOWAS Commission.
He was widely respected for his role in regional integration and his contributions to global diplomacy at the United Nations.
President Mahama expressed his condolences and shared reflections on Ambassador Gbeho’s contributions to the country, West Africa and the world.
Funeral details will be announced later.
The Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, has revoked all firearm permits in Ghana with immediate effect and announced a new registration process for all gun owners.
The minister made the announcement on Tuesday, June 23, at the information service department saying all individuals who currently hold licences to own firearms or sidearms must undergo a fresh registration process.
“From this afternoon, all permits that have been granted to any individual that you are holding a sidearm or firearm is hereby revoked,” Mr Muntaka said.
He explained that the government had identified gaps in the country’s firearm registration system and needed to introduce stricter measures to improve public safety.
“We are opening the window where everyone will have to come forward again to register or re-register the gun because we’ve changed the procedure,” he stated.
According to him, the government decided not to wait until the end of the year to make the changes because lives could still be saved within the next six months.
The Interior Minister said one of the new requirements would be mandatory mental health screening for applicants seeking firearm licences.
“We’ve seen that people with mental health have already gone through and have the sidearm. Now we are introducing mental health. Before we give you the sidearm, we have to be sure that you have the mental stability to hold the firearms,” he said.
Mr Muntaka also announced that applicants would be required to undergo drug tests before being granted licences.
“We’ve also realised that people who are on drugs are also holding their arms and they are legitimate because it’s been registered. Now you have to go through drug tests to be sure that you are not on drugs before you can hold sidearms,” he added.
The minister said the new measures form part of efforts by the government to tighten firearm control and prevent legally registered weapons from falling into the wrong hands.
He urged all firearm owners to cooperate with the new registration process once details of the exercise are announced.
By: Jacob Aggrey
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