Meet Immigration Officer, Priscilla Ampadu of the Ghana Immigration Service. Assistant Immigration Control Officer (AICO) II Priscilla Ampadu has been working as an immigration officer at the Mognori Sector Command of the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) for over three years. On a daily basis, Priscilla works with travellers crossing the border between Ghana and Burkina Faso. Her job involves recording travellers’ data, diligently ensuring that each traveller meets the minimum requirement for entering and exiting the country in accordance with the country’s immigration laws and regulations. Priscilla's job is demanding, requiring quick decision-making and attention to detail. Up to now, the data that immigration officers are required to collect from travellers has been recorded manually. Priscilla must write all the details of the travellers in a book and crosscheck also with other books which colleagues might have used. The introduction of the Migration Information and Data Analysis System (MIDAS) by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) has come as a relief for her and colleagues, and it makes border management efficient and effective. MIDAS is a user-friendly and customizable Border Management Information System (BMIS). It comes with the capability to collect, store, and analyse traveller information in real-time and across an entire border network.“MIDAS has truly revolutionized the way we work, empowering us to capture data with ease. It saves time as well. At first, I was sceptical about it, but it has become an indispensable tool in my work, making my job easier and more efficient," said Priscilla. Developed by IOM in 2007, the MIDAS enables states to monitor more effectively individuals entering and exiting their territory while providing a sound statistical basis for migration policy-related planning. Currently operational in over 30 countries, MIDAS has been designed to be compliant with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards.“With MIDAS, one can quickly verify the authenticity of travel documents, as well as identify individuals on national stop lists and international alert list. This is done within seconds, unlike before, when we had to flip through all the logbooks and also consult the official communication platforms at the command to check if the person is on the stop list. It could take several hours. The intuitive interface and user-friendly features of MIDAS makes it easy to check against the national and international alert lists, for instance Interpol,” Priscilla explained.MIDAS automatically captures traveller’s biographic and biometric data using document readers, webcams, and fingerprint readers. This automation of data collection allows for faster and more accurate capture of information. MIDAS is completely customizable and can be tailored to the specific requirements of governments, be it the integration with Advance Passenger Information (API) systems, compatibility with an e-Visa solution, or the option to print visa vignettes and temporary travel cards. “I didn’t know there was a system to make our work easy like this. During the workshop, we received hands-on training from IOM Ghana on how to navigate the MIDAS, and I must say, I was impressed, especially the interoperable ability and the possibility to check travellers against Interpol list is amazing! The trainer emphasized the importance of accuracy, efficiency, and adherence to the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s) when using MIDAS,” Priscilla mentioned.As part of the MIDAS roll-out in Ghana, a customised training – tailored to the needs of the respective administrators, end users (front-line immigration officers) and IT focal points at the various crossing points was delivered. IOM Ghana has so far trained over 100 immigration officers in the Upper East and Upper West regions of Ghana, specifically in Hamile, Kulungugu, Mognori, Namoo, and Pulmakom all located on the border with Burkina Faso.Priscilla shared how the training has been helpful and how she is going to utilize the knowledge gained: “I have been using MIDAS for about a month now after we received the training, and it has made it easier to keep track of statistics, to streamline data collection and to enhance operational efficiency at this border checkpoint. We can leverage on this improved management of data to make informed decisions. I believe it can also help GIS’ HQ in advocacy and inform policies based on the data we collect.” She added: “The knowledge I have acquired now, will help improve my work on the field even in my next posting and I might even train others and share my knowledge.” , filtered_html

In the corridors of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Ghana, amidst the hum and the ebb and flow of activities, there is a figure whose presence has left an indelible mark on the organization as the first ever IOM Ghana retiree– Ms. Patricia Elsie Aikins, popularly known as “Mama P”. After 24 years of dedicated service, Mama P bids farewell to IOM at age 65, leaving behind a legacy of commitment, professionalism, and unwavering dedication.Ms. Aikins' journey with IOM began in June 2000 when she joined as an Operations Assistant. In this role, she quickly established herself as a reliable and efficient member of the team, earning the respect and admiration of colleagues and superiors alike. Over the years, she took on increasingly challenging roles, serving as an Account Personnel Assistant, Admin Assistant at the Medical Department, now the Migration Health Assessment Center (MHAC), as well as Procurement and Logistics Assistant, before assuming the position of Admin and Finance Assistant under treasury in the Resource Management Unit. Reflecting on her journey with IOM, Mama P remarks: "I am grateful for the opportunities I have had to grow and develop professionally and personally within the organization. Each role has presented its own challenges and rewards, and I am proud of the contributions I have made along the way."As she transitions into retirement, Ms. Aikins looks back at her time with IOM with fondness and gratitude. "IOM has been more than just a workplace for me – it has been a second family," she says. "I will miss the camaraderie and sense of purpose that comes with working alongside such dedicated and passionate individuals."Throughout her tenure, Mama P has been a steadfast advocate for the values and principles of IOM, embodying the organization's commitment to humanitarian service and migrant welfare. "I have always believed in the importance of treating everyone with dignity and respect, no matter one’s background," she emphasizes. "It has been a privilege to play a role in supporting migrants in their journey towards a better life through my work."As she embarks on the next chapter of her life, Ms. Aikins is filled with optimism and excitement for the future. "Retirement may mark the end of one chapter, but it is also the beginning of a new adventure," she reflects. "I look forward to spending more time with my family and pursuing personal interests and hobbies." As colleagues gather to bid farewell to Mama P, they express their gratitude for her years of service and the impact she has had on the organization. "Mama P’s dedication and professionalism has been an inspiration to us all, as she is very principled and meticulous in her work," remarks IOM Ghana’s National HR Officer, Ms. Cynthia Mensah. "Her presence will be sorely missed. She has left a big shoe to fit, but her legacy will continue to inspire us for years to come," said Senior Finance Assistant, Mr. Samuel Baah.In her parting message, Mama P offers words of encouragement and wisdom to her colleagues: "Continue to uphold the values of integrity, compassion, and excellence that define IOM. IOM is full of rules, regulations, and procedures; if you follow them, you will have no issues," she urges. "Together, we have the power to make a difference in the lives of migrants and their communities around the world.”As Ms. Aikins takes her final steps out of the doors of IOM, she leaves behind a legacy of service. Her journey may have come to an end at IOM and IOM Ghana, but her impact will be felt for generations to come., filtered_html

Across the world, women are at the heart of community transformation, and in Ghana, their role in shaping resilient urban spaces has never been more critical. As we mark International Women’s Day, the UN in Ghana celebrates the remarkable contributions of women in the Amui Dzor community in the Ashaiman Municipality, where they are redefining leadership and resilience by mobilizing themselves along savings to access housing, basic services and livelihood opportunities.Women at the Forefront of ChangeFor decades, women in informal settlements have faced daily struggles—unsafe living conditions, inadequate sanitation, and the constant threat of eviction. However, the story is changing, these challenges are being addressed with women taking center stage, thanks to UN-Habitat Ghana’s People's Dialogue project being implemented in partnership with the Ministries of Works, Housing and Water Resources and Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs Traditional Authorities, and the Ghana Federation of Urban Poor (GHAFUPAfter over a decade of benefitting from the UN-Habitat supported Slum Upgrading Facility, the women of Amui-Dzor continue to play a pivotal role in ensuring the three-story social housing facility with one and two-bedroom apartments, commercial units, and a community-managed public toilet developed under the project are well maintained. This project not only provides safe and affordable housing but also incorporates traditional spatial designs that foster communal living, with the open area serving as meeting space for federation and vaccination points in the community among other uses as needed.Breaking Barriers, Building Resilience Madam Hafsatu Salifu, a petty trader and mother of two, recalls how women’s voices were often excluded from urban development conversations. “Before, we were left out of these discussions. Now, we are part of every step. It’s not just about improving our homes; it’s about shaping our futures.”Their engagement from the outset ensured that critical issues—such as the installation of sanitation facilities and clean water access—were prioritized. Hafsatu highlights the stark difference between life before and after the project: “I used to worry every day about my children getting sick because of the dirty water and poor sanitary conditions. Now, we have clean water, and I feel more secure knowing my family is healthier and safer.” A New Era of Women’s LeadershipOne of the most significant achievements of the project is the shift in gender roles within the community. Women are now leading in urban planning and community decision-making. Their leadership in these traditionally male-dominated sectors is not only transforming their own lives but is also inspiring younger generations to take active roles in shaping their communities.Women as Pillars of Sustainable Urban DevelopmentUN-Habitat Ghana’s Slum Upgrading Facility is a testament to the power of women-led development. By ensuring that women are not just beneficiaries but active agents of change, the project is setting a precedent for inclusive urban development. When women lead, communities thrive, and when they are empowered, cities become stronger, more resilient, and more sustainable.As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we reaffirm our commitment to advancing gender equality in urban development. The women of Amui Dzor have shown that with the right support and opportunities, they can break barriers, build resilience, and create lasting change for generations to come. , filtered_html

The United Nations (UN) in Ghana, led by Resident Coordinator Mr. Charles Abani, recently met with officials from the Embassy of France in Ghana, led by the Head of Cooperation and Cultural Affairs, Mr. Julie Lecas, to review a UN Joint Programme funded by the Government of France.  Launched six months ago in Bolgatanga, the UN-France Food Assistance Programme has impacted over 10,000 beneficiaries in Northern Ghana through combined initiatives by the World Food Programme (WFP), the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Mr. Abani expressed optimism about achieving the program's goals and objectives, highlighting the coherent collaboration among UN agencies. Mr. Lecas commended the work done so far and welcomed the review report as a valuable initiative to share with Paris. Background:The Joint UN-France Food Assistance Programme; "Enhancing Food Security, Nutrition and Resilience of the most food insecure and vulnerable host communities and asylum seekers in Upper East and Upper West RegionsThis 1 of Ghana". This 18-month project (September 2024 - March 2026) is implemented by WFP, UNICEF, and IOM, in collaboration with UNHCR, Ghana Refugee Board (GRB), Ghana Health Service (GHS), and local NGOs. The project aims to improve food security, nutrition, and resilience among asylum seekers and host communities in the Upper East and Upper West regions of Ghana. , filtered_html