The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has inaugurated a new office complex in Aduamoa, located near Abetifi in the Kwahu East District of the Eastern Region. The facility, which was jointly constructed by the chiefs and people of Aduamoa with support from the GIS under the Ministry of Interior, aims to regulate and monitor the activities of foreigners, particularly those looking to establish businesses in the Kwahu enclave.
The new building enhances the operations and welfare of the GIS and includes a reception area, holding cells, a commander's office, workstations for junior officers, a conference room, an office for the second-in-command, a staff officers’ office, a kitchen, a rest room, and a restroom.
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Migration Processes
At the official inauguration ceremony held in Aduamoa last Saturday, Deputy Minister for the Interior, Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi, who represented the sector minister, Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka, stated that the new office would enable the GIS to better serve the people of Aduamoa and its surrounding areas, facilitating migration processes in the region. He described the initiative as a demonstration of the community's commitment to development and their willingness to collaborate with government agencies to improve the welfare of their residents and ensure maximum security.
Mr. Terlabi expressed his gratitude to the chiefs and people of Aduamoa, especially the Chief of Aduamoa, Nana Ahea Tutu Brempong, for their partnership with the GIS in constructing the new office building. He assured the people of Kwahu that the government would prioritize security and development across the country and work with traditional leaders, individuals, and organizations to address security challenges facing communities.
Discipline and Conduct
The Comptroller-General of the GIS, Samuel Basintale Amadu, praised the support from the Aduamoa community and urged the officers to maintain high standards of discipline, integrity, and professionalism while living harmoniously with local residents in their duties. "You are the face of the GIS, and your conduct can either enhance or undermine the reputation of our esteemed service," Mr. Amadu emphasized. He also encouraged all foreign nationals residing in Kwahu and its surrounding areas to abide by the law and respect Ghana's laws, traditions, and culture.
Fighting Crime
The Member of Parliament for the Abetifi Constituency, Bryan Achampong, who also provided financial support for the facility's construction, indicated that the Kwahu area, especially Aduamoa, would ensure that buildings for all security services are established to combat crime effectively. The Paramount Chief of the Kwahu Traditional Area, Daasebre Akuamoah Boateng III, expressed his delight at the opening of the new GIS facility, stating that it forms part of broader measures to enhance security visibility in the area. He pointed out that the traditional area has vast lands in Kwahu Afram Plains North and South and appealed to the Comptroller-General to consider establishing a new GIS facility there to further combat crime.
The Benkumhene of the Kwahu Traditional Area, who is also the Chief of Aduamoa, Nana Ahea Tutu Brempong II, remarked that the event was not just the inauguration of a new facility but a celebration of the community's shared commitment to development, security, and progress.
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Human Rights Workshop for Ministers of the Gospel
William Nyarko, the Executive Director of the Africa Centre for International Law and Accountability (ACILA), has urged ministers of the gospel to exercise caution and discretion when addressing spiritual revelations that involve the personal issues of their congregants. He expressed concern over the increasing occurrence of pastors publicly disclosing private matters during church services in the name of prophecy, claiming divine instruction.
This call was made during a two-day workshop organized by the Centre for Democratic Development (CDD) Ghana in Cape Coast last Monday. The workshop aimed to equip religious leaders with knowledge about protecting human rights. It brought together over 40 ministers of the gospel from various denominations across the region, focusing on the role of the church in promoting social inclusion, privacy, and respect for constitutional values.
Mr. Nyarko emphasized that while spiritual gifts such as prophecy are acknowledged and respected, the manner of communication can either positively or negatively impact the individuals involved. He cautioned that disclosing sensitive information—such as health conditions or behavioral issues—publicly can lead to humiliation, social stigma, and psychological trauma. “One's dignity should not be sacrificed on the altar of prophecy,” he stated. “We are not questioning the authenticity of what God reveals but asking that ministers show discretion and empathy. Delivering the message privately protects the individual’s dignity and strengthens the bond between them and their congregation.”
When people are well-informed and sensitive to human rights, the entire society benefits. We are hopeful that this training will ripple out into the churches and positively change lives.
Spiritual Authority
Some religious leaders attending the program acknowledged that, at times, the desire to demonstrate spiritual authority may override the need for confidentiality. They welcomed the opportunity to reflect on and learn more about the ethical implications of public prophecy.
“I have never really thought of it this way. This session has opened my eyes to how we, as pastors, can unintentionally hurt our flock in the name of divine direction. Moving forward, I will approach things differently,” said Rev. Dr. Justice Abieku Aggrey, pastor in charge of the AME Zion Church in Saltpond.
Another participant, Rev. Fr. Stephen Obeng from the Anglican Church, expressed a similar sentiment. “We have a responsibility to heal, not to harm. A private conversation, even if uncomfortable, is more effective and respectful than a public declaration that leaves someone feeling ashamed or exposed,” he stated.
Social Justice
Beyond the issue of privacy, the workshop also addressed broader themes related to social justice, gender inclusion, and legislative issues, particularly the ongoing debate concerning Ghana’s anti-LGBTQ+ bill currently under consideration in Parliament.
During the session on human rights, Dr. Michael Augustine Akagbor, a senior program officer at CDD-Ghana, challenged religious leaders to examine the proposed legislation through a constitutional lens. “We must separate personal beliefs from constitutional obligations. The Ghanaian Constitution guarantees fundamental freedoms to all citizens, regardless of their orientation or identity. It’s not enough to simply disagree with something; our legal system must be just and fair to all,” advised Dr. Akagbor.
Respect for Rights and Dignity of Congregants
Religious leaders emphasized this point at the CDD workshop.
From Shirley Asiedu-Addo & Joana Kumi, CAPE COAST
New Immigration Service office complex at Aduamoa Regional—Daasebre Akuamoah Boateng III (2nd from right) is assisted by Nana Ahea Tutu Brempong (right), Nana Adwoa Gyamfua III (3rd from left), Queen Mother of Kwahu Traditional Area; Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi (3rd from left), and Samuel Basintale Amadu (2nd from left) to inaugurate the office complex. INSET: The new Immigration office.When people are well-informed and sensitive to human rights, the entire society benefits. We are hopeful that this training will ripple out into the churches and positively change lives.
Spiritual Authority
Some religious leaders attending the program acknowledged that, at times, the desire to demonstrate spiritual authority may override the need for confidentiality. They welcomed the opportunity to reflect on and learn more about the ethical implications of public prophecy.
“I have never really thought of it this way. This session has opened my eyes to how we, as pastors, can unintentionally hurt our flock in the name of divine direction. Moving forward, I will approach things differently,” said Rev. Dr. Justice Abieku Aggrey, pastor in charge of the AME Zion Church in Saltpond.
Another participant, Rev. Fr. Stephen Obeng from the Anglican Church, expressed a similar sentiment. “We have a responsibility to heal, not to harm. A private conversation, even if uncomfortable, is more effective and respectful than a public declaration that leaves someone feeling ashamed or exposed,” he stated.
Social Justice
Beyond the issue of privacy, the workshop also addressed broader themes related to social justice, gender inclusion, and legislative issues, particularly the ongoing debate concerning Ghana’s anti-LGBTQ+ bill currently under consideration in Parliament.
During the session on human rights, Dr. Michael Augustine Akagbor, a senior program officer at CDD-Ghana, challenged religious leaders to examine the proposed legislation through a constitutional lens. “We must separate personal beliefs from constitutional obligations. The Ghanaian Constitution guarantees fundamental freedoms to all citizens, regardless of their orientation or identity. It’s not enough to simply disagree with something; our legal system must be just and fair to all,” advised Dr. Akagbor.
Respect for Rights and Dignity of Congregants
Religious leaders emphasized this point at the CDD workshop.
From Shirley Asiedu-Addo & Joana Kumi, CAPE COAST
New Immigration Service office complex at Aduamoa Regional—Daasebre Akuamoah Boateng III (2nd from right) is assisted by Nana Ahea Tutu Brempong (right), Nana Adwoa Gyamfua III (3rd from left), Queen Mother of Kwahu Traditional Area; Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi (3rd from left), and Samuel Basintale Amadu (2nd from left) to inaugurate the office complex. INSET: The new Immigration office.