IWD2025: GIS Boss calls accelerated action on gender equality

The Comptroller-General of the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS), Kwame Asuah Takyi Esq. has called for bold and decisive action to accelerate gender equality and empower women and girls.

Speaking at the International Women’s Day celebration held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Accra, the Comptroller-General highlighted the progress made in advancing women's rights while underscoring the persistent challenges that require urgent attention.

The event was attended by several dignitaries, including the Spanish Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Angel Lossada Torres Quevedo, representatives from the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, development partners, and security services.

Delivering her keynote address, the Comptroller-General emphasized the importance of this year’s theme, "Accelerate Action for All Women and Girls: Rights, Equality, and Empowerment," as a call to collective mobilization for a more equitable society.

“This theme ignites a profound call to action, propelling us beyond reflection and into collective mobilization. By uniting us around a common vision of justice and equality, it inspires collaborative effort and fuels our determination to create a more just, equitable, and inclusive world,” he said.

Reflecting on the global and historical context of the fight for women’s rights, the Comptroller-General noted that despite the strides made in education, governance, and economic empowerment, women continue to face entrenched barriers.

These include gender-based violence, limited access to opportunities, and discriminatory practices that undermine their ability to reach their full potential.

Highlighting his tenure's achievements, the Comptroller-General outlined several measures undertaken to promote gender equality within the GIS.

A significant milestone was the establishment of the Gender Mainstreaming Section in July 2019 and the development of the GIS Gender Policy.

These initiatives have aimed to foster diversity and inclusion within the Service.

“We have invested in capacity-building programs for officers, both domestically and internationally, focusing on gender-related issues. To address the gender imbalance, I have increased the number of female officers in management positions and ensured their representation at the regional level,” he stated.

The Comptroller-General also announced the development of the Protection from Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment (PSEAH) Policy in 2024, making the GIS the first security institution in Africa to implement such a policy.

“The Gender Mainstreaming Section has become a strategic department with focal persons in all 19 administrative regions, ensuring that gender considerations are integrated into all aspects of our operations,” he added.

The Comptroller-General stressed the need for collective action beyond policy reforms, calling for increased education, training, mentorship, and leadership development to close the gender gap.

“Empowering women through education has a profound ripple effect, transforming not just individuals but entire communities and societies. This fight is not solely the responsibility of women; it is a collective obligation that demands our unified efforts,” he emphasized.

He also expressed gratitude to the Spanish Embassy and the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID) for sponsoring a skit on the PSEAH Policy, which aims to raise awareness about gender-based exploitation and harassment.

The Comptroller-General acknowledged the contributions of female officers within the Service and encouraging them to remain resilient in their pursuit of excellence.

“As we look to the future, let us envision a world where every woman and girl has the freedom, resources, and opportunities to achieve her full potential. Together, we can accelerate transformative change and forge a future where every woman and girl can thrive with freedom, dignity, and respect,”

Delivering a speech on behalf of the Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey; Miriam Bafowaa Opoku, Programme Officer at the Ministry highlighted the significance of this year’s celebration, themed “For All Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.” with the campaign hashtag #ForAllWomenAndGirls.

She emphasized that the theme underscores the need to address systemic barriers and create a future where no one is left behind, regardless of socioeconomic background, disability, or geographical location.

“This year’s celebration is particularly significant as it coincides with 50 years of the National Women’s Machinery in Ghana and 30 years of the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action,” Madam Opoku noted.

“It is an opportune moment to take stock of our progress and strategize for the future.”

She commended the government’s strides in promoting gender equality, citing the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act, 2024, as a key milestone.

She also highlighted other legislative and policy frameworks such as the Domestic Violence Act, the Human Trafficking Act, the National Gender Policy, and the Child and Family Welfare Policy as critical tools for addressing gender inequality.

She underscored the importance of initiatives such as the Orange Support Center, which provides 24-hour toll-free services, legal and medical support, and counseling for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence.

The Ministry’s digital efforts, including the Social Welfare Information Management System and the Single Window Citizen’s Engagement Service, were also highlighted as significant advancements toward improving service delivery and enhancing accountability.

She emphasized that the government, under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama, remains committed to empowering women and ensuring their full participation in national development.

She urged stakeholders to intensify efforts toward realizing Sustainable Development Goal 5, which focuses on achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls.

“The time has come for us to build stronger partnerships and integrate gender concerns into national planning, budgeting, and development to address inequalities in Ghana,” Nyavor stressed.

She also commended women within the Ghana Immigration Service for their immense contribution to national development and applauded the support of male champions in advancing gender equality.

“The Ministry believes that this year’s International Women’s Day celebration will intensify efforts toward empowering the next generation of young women to serve as agents of change,” she added.

On his part, Spanish Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Angel Lossada Torres Quevedo, commended the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) for its outstanding service and contribution to national development.

Ambassador Torres Quevedo praised the female officers of the GIS, acknowledging their significant role in strengthening the service.

“The contributions of the women in the Ghana Immigration Service have been remarkable and have played a crucial part in bringing the Service to where it is today,” he stated.

He urged the Service to remain committed to its mandate, encouraging officers to continue delivering with professionalism and dedication.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith