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Strengthening Policing Partnerships: IGP receives NYDP delegation
A senior delegation from the New York City Police Department (NYPD) traveled to Accra, Ghana, for a series of high-level engagements with the Ghana Police Service (GPS), reinforcing the growing partnership between the two police institutions and advancing discussions on operational cooperation, professional exchange, and modern policing practices.
The delegation was formally received at Police Headquarters by Mr. Christian Tetteh Yohuno, Inspector-General of Police of Ghana, together with members of the Police Management Board (POMAB).
During the meeting, the NYPD delegation and the IGP held extensive discussions with POMAB focused on contemporary policing challenges and opportunities for cooperation between the two departments.
The dialogue centered on several core themes relevant to modern law enforcement. Both sides exchanged perspectives on the employment of technology in policing, including data-driven policing models, digital investigative tools, and integrated intelligence platforms used to support operational decision-making. The delegations also discussed officer safety and welfare, emphasizing the importance of training, equipment, and institutional support systems that protect officers while enhancing operational effectiveness.
Another significant component of the discussions addressed police accountability within a democratic dispensation.
The NYPD delegation shared experiences and institutional practices regarding transparency, internal oversight, and community trust, while Ghana Police Service leadership highlighted reforms and accountability mechanisms within Ghana’s policing framework.
A key topic during the meetings was the proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the NYPD and the Ghana Police Service. Both sides reviewed the framework for strengthening institutional cooperation and facilitating sustained engagement between the two organizations.
The discussions emphasized information sharing, training opportunities, and collaboration on transnational crime investigations.
Beyond meetings with the Police Management Board, the NYPD delegation conducted working engagements with several operational units of the Ghana Police Service.
The team met with senior officials from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), the INTERPOL Accra National Central Bureau, and the Police Intelligence Directorate, where discussions focused on investigative cooperation, intelligence coordination, and the evolving threat landscape related to transnational criminal activity.
The delegation also toured the Joint Operations Center (JOC) at Police Headquarters, receiving a briefing on Ghana’s integrated command and control capabilities used to coordinate nationwide policing operations, incident response, and intelligence monitoring.
One of the most forward-looking outcomes of the visit was the discussion between the IGP and POMAB regarding officer exchange programmes between the two institutions.
The leadership discussed placement of a senior NYPD detective at the Ghana Police Service Headquarters in Accra, as well as the embedding of a senior Ghana Police Service officer within the NYPD Intelligence Bureau in New York.
The proposed exchanges are intended to deepen operational collaboration, strengthen investigative partnerships, and build institutional familiarity between the two departments.
In addition to engagements within the Ghana Police Service, the NYPD delegation held courtesy meetings with the Minister for the Interior, Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak, and leadership of the National Intelligence Bureau, led by Director-General Charles Alhassan Kipo, where discussions focused on national security coordination, intelligence sharing, and broader cooperation between Ghanaian and U.S. law enforcement and security partners. The delegation also paid a courtesy call on the Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Accra, Rolf Olson.
The visit represents a continuation of growing cooperation between the Ghana Police Service and the New York City Department.
The Minority Caucus on Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee has called for urgent and decisive action following recent xenophobic attacks on Ghanaians living in South Africa.
In a statement issued in Accra on April 29, the caucus expressed concern about what it described as a growing pattern of violence against foreign nationals, including Ghanaians, in areas such as KwaZulu-Natal, Durban and Gauteng.
The group noted that Ghanaian-owned businesses have been attacked, while some individuals have been harassed and assaulted. It added that, in certain cases, victims have also been denied access to essential services.
According to the statement, claims that foreign nationals are responsible for crime and economic hardship are unfounded and should be rejected.
The caucus referred to the widely circulated assault of a Ghanaian, Emmanuel Asamoah, as an example of the severity of the situation. It also raised concern about reports that some incidents occurred in the presence of law enforcement officers without effective intervention.
The Minority acknowledged steps taken by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, including his engagement with South African authorities and efforts to provide consular support to affected Ghanaians.
It noted the public condemnation of the attacks by President Cyril Ramaphosa, describing these as necessary but not sufficient.
The caucus called on the South African government to ensure the immediate arrest and prosecution of those responsible and to hold security agencies accountable where they fail to act.
It urged authorities to take practical steps to protect foreign nationals across the country.
On the part of Ghana, the Minority urged the government to adopt a stronger and more structured response.
It called for direct engagement between President John Dramani Mahama and President Ramaphosa to secure firm commitments on the safety of Ghanaians.
The statement further recommended increased consular support for citizens in affected areas and called for the issue to be escalated to the African Union for an urgent inquiry into recurring xenophobic attacks.
It urged the government to work with regional partners within ECOWAS to present a unified response.
The Minority suggested that Ghana should seek assurances from South Africa, including confirmed arrests, clear prosecution processes and a plan to protect foreign nationals.
It added that compensation should be considered for victims who have suffered losses.
The statement, signed by the Ranking Member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Samuel Abu Jinapor, urged Ghanaians in South Africa to remain cautious and maintain contact with the Ghana High Commission.
It stressed that Ghana must act firmly to protect its citizens and uphold the principles of cooperation and solidarity among African countries.
By: Jacob Aggrey
News
Climate Change and Sustainability Ministry backs WiSA International Festival to promote women-led climate action
The Office of the Minister of State for Climate Change and Sustainability has expressed support for the Women in Sustainability Africa (WiSA) International Festival, aimed at promoting inclusive climate action and sustainable development across the continent.
In a statement, the Office said it recognises WiSA as an important platform that brings together governments, development partners, the private sector and civil society to drive climate solutions and economic transformation.
The Festival is scheduled to take place on May 1, 2026, at the Cedi Conference Centre from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
This year’s event under the theme: Empowering Women For The Economic Sustainability of Africa, will feature, Liu Yaw Nana, Acting Secretary of Ghana-Chinese Business Chamber of Commerce, Issifu Seidu, Minister of State for Climate Change and Sustainability, Dr.Agness Naa Momo Lartey, Minister for Gender Children and Social Protection, Bishop E.O Ansah, General Overseer, Eternal Life Church, President, Women’s Development Association, Turkey, Nilgün Zaimoğlu and Chief of Government Relations and Africa UN Global Compact.
Additionally, it will host, Dr.Charity Binka, Chairperson, Chairperson, African Women Leaders Network , Pearl Opoku, Trader and GUTA National Organiser, Lydia Abbey, Makola Market Queen, actress Juliet Ibrahim, CEO of FZ Global Legacy, Francesca Zoppi, The Revival Founder, Yayra Agbofah and many others.
According to the statement, WiSA’s vision, led by Nana Yaa Serwaa Sarpong, aligns with national and continental goals on climate resilience, green growth and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Office noted that WiSA’s focus on empowering women as key drivers of sustainability and economic productivity is a practical approach to addressing climate challenges and development gaps.
It highlighted WiSA’s track record of engaging global institutions and organising multi-stakeholder events as evidence of its ability to mobilise partnerships and deliver results.
The Ministry said the 2026 Festival presents an opportunity to promote climate-smart investments, green innovation and scalable solutions in areas such as renewable energy, sustainable agriculture and the circular economy.
It added that the event will also support public-private partnerships and strengthen Africa-led solutions in global sustainability discussions.
As part of its commitment, the Office said it will support policy coordination, facilitate engagement with relevant government agencies, and promote an enabling environment for climate finance and green investments.
It also pledged to contribute to knowledge sharing, technical support and stakeholder mobilisation.
The statement emphasised that investing in initiatives like WiSA is key to driving inclusive economic growth, building resilience and achieving long-term development goals.
It further stressed that empowering women remains central to delivering sustainable and equitable outcomes.
The Office called on organisations to partner with WiSA to support climate action and sustainable development efforts across Africa.
By: Jacob Aggrey
