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Ghana and Spain strengthen diplomatic ties through high-level discussions
via GhanaWeb1 min read
Ghana's Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, met with his Spanish counterpart, José Manuel Albares Bueno, in Barcelona on Friday, April 17, 2026, to deepen bilateral relations. The discussions focused on cooperation in migration, maritime security, and labor mobility. Ablakwa praised Spain's "progressive and humane" immigration policy, which aims to regularize the status of about 500,000 undocumented migrants. This policy, running from April 16 to the end of June 2026, grants legal status, employment access, and social protections to eligible migrants who have resided in Spain for at least five months before December 31, 2025. Ablakwa noted that the initiative also promotes skills development and multicultural integration. Ghana's Ministry of Foreign Affairs is committed to assisting Ghanaian migrants with the necessary documentation to benefit from this program.
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The criminal trial of Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, also known as Chairman Wontumi, the New Patriotic Party Ashanti Regional Chairman, and two other individuals, has concluded. The court is scheduled to deliver its judgment on July 3, 2026. This development was announced by Deputy Attorney General Dr. Justice Srem-Sai on June 3, following court proceedings. Dr. Srem-Sai stated that the defense concluded its case after its fifth and final witness completed testimony and was discharged by the court, marking the end of the legal proceedings. With both the prosecution and defense having presented their cases, the focus now shifts to the final verdict, which is anticipated to draw considerable public and political attention due to Chairman Wontumi's significant role within the NPP and Ghanaian politics.
Must ReadGhana's Comptroller-General of Immigration, Samuel Basintale Amadu, has issued a warning to foreign nationals in Ghana to adhere to the country’s immigration and criminal laws. This follows the repatriation of 105 foreign nationals who were rescued from suspected human trafficking operations in Asankragwa, Western North Region. The intelligence-led operation, conducted by the Ghana Immigration Service GIS on May 20, 2026, targeted premises believed to be housing victims of commercial sexual exploitation. Initially, 112 females, aged between 12 and 38, were rescued. The group included 110 Nigerians, one Beninese, and one Cameroonian, with some victims reportedly as young as 12. The operation was led by the Asankragwa Sector Command under Assistant Commissioner of Immigration Kwabena Adjei. The rescued individuals were moved to a holding center in the Greater Accra Region for further investigation by the GIS Anti-Human Smuggling and Trafficking in Persons AHSTIP Unit. Investigations confirmed 105 individuals were human trafficking victims, while seven suspects remain under investigation for potential prosecution. The GIS, in collaboration with relevant embassies and community representatives, facilitated the safe return of the confirmed victims to their home countries. Amadu reiterated the Service’s dedication to fighting human trafficking, migrant smuggling, and other transnational crimes, urging foreign nationals to comply with Ghanaian laws.
Ghana's Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has highlighted that approximately 6,000 young people die annually from tobacco-related illnesses. He cautioned against the increasing use of shisha and electronic cigarettes among youth, despite their appealing flavors and trendy appearance, due to serious health risks. Speaking at a World No Tobacco Day event in Accra on June 2, 2026, Dr. Hafez Adam Taher, Director of Technical Coordination at the Ministry of Health, stated that tobacco and nicotine products continue to endanger the health of many Ghanaians, especially the youth. He noted that about 13.6 percent of youth smoke shisha and 2.2 percent use e-cigarettes, with nearly 450,000 adults in Ghana smoking regularly. Dr. Taher added that tobacco-related diseases cost Ghana an estimated $600 million annually. He also warned that tobacco companies are promoting products like shisha and e-cigarettes as fashionable lifestyle choices to attract young consumers. Akandoh acknowledged Ghana's progress in tobacco control, noting a decline in adult smoking rates from 3 percent in 2017 to about 2.2 percent currently. Gayheart Edem Mensah, Acting Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Food and Drugs Authority, urged stakeholders to intensify efforts to protect future generations from tobacco's harmful effects. Dr. Fiona Braka, World Health Organisation Representative in Ghana, also called for stronger action to reduce tobacco consumption and protect public health.
The OneGhana Movement has renewed calls for justice and accountability for victims of the June 3, 2015, twin flood and fire tragedy in Accra, marking 11 years since the incident. The disaster claimed over 150 lives and injured more than 200 people. The group stated that survivors and victims' families continue to face physical, emotional, and economic hardships, with justice remaining elusive. The movement highlighted the prolonged legal battle as a painful reminder of unresolved injustice, noting that 69 victims filed a class action lawsuit in 2018 against GOIL, the National Petroleum Authority NPA, the Accra Metropolitan Assembly AMA, and the station manager. Testimonies during court proceedings, including admissions from GOIL's witness and confirmation from NPA's witness, suggested the disaster could have been prevented with stronger regulatory oversight. The OneGhana Movement criticized delays and inconsistencies in the legal process and urged the government to intervene to ensure justice and support for survivors, aligning with the 'Resetting Ghana Agenda'.