馃嚞馃嚟GhanaWest Africa
Ghanaian government and IOM facilitate return of 144 migrants from Libya
via GhanaWeb1 min read
The Government of Ghana, in partnership with the International Organization for Migration IOM, has facilitated the voluntary return of 144 Ghanaian migrants from Libya. These returnees arrived at Accra International Airport on July 14 in two groups, under the Voluntary Humanitarian Return Programme. This initiative is part of an ongoing collaboration between the government and IOM to assist Ghanaian nationals in conflict-affected and high-risk migration areas, especially Libya. Upon arrival, the migrants underwent immigration and health screenings and received immediate support including food, psychosocial care, and transportation. They will also participate in reintegration programs, which include livelihood assistance, vocational skills training, and other socio-economic empowerment initiatives, based on individual assessments. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed the government's commitment to protecting Ghanaians abroad and thanked IOM and its partners. The ministry also advised Ghanaians seeking overseas opportunities to use official migration channels to avoid the dangers of irregular migration and human smuggling. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to collaborate with IOM, Ghana's diplomatic missions, and other state institutions to aid Ghanaians in distress and promote safe, orderly, and regular migration.
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by GhanaWeb.
Must ReadThe Ghana Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics GAND has raised concerns about growing food safety threats in Ghana, specifically citing illegal mining, known as galamsey, and the increased consumption of ultra-processed foods. These concerns were highlighted in a statement launching the 2026 National Nutrition Month, themed "Food Safety: Everyone鈥檚 Responsibility." GAND noted that galamsey activities contaminate rivers and groundwater with heavy metals like mercury, arsenic, lead, and cadmium, which can enter the food chain through farming and fishing. Studies on rivers such as the Pra, Offin, Ankobra, and Birim have shown heavy metal levels exceeding acceptable limits. Long-term exposure to these contaminants can lead to neurological damage, kidney problems, reproductive complications, and increased cancer risks, especially in children and pregnant women. Additionally, GAND expressed concern over ultra-processed foods, which often contain high levels of sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats, and may lack clear nutritional information. The Academy called for mandatory Front-of-Pack Warning Labels to help consumers make informed choices. GAND emphasized that foodborne diseases, including typhoid, cholera, dysentery, and viral hepatitis, continue to strain Ghana's healthcare system. Globally, the World Health Organization estimates 600 million people fall ill annually from contaminated food, resulting in 420,000 deaths, with children under five accounting for 125,000 deaths. Africa bea
Investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni has criticized Parliament's decision to hold a closed-door session with the Bank of Ghana Governor, stating that it undermines transparency. In an open letter to Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga, Awuni expressed his dissatisfaction with Ayariga's explanation for the in-camera appearance, calling it unconvincing. Awuni argued that the lack of transparency fosters public suspicion and is detrimental to democracy. He urged the Majority Leader to promote openness, emphasizing that keeping matters in the dark, even if there is nothing to hide, only worsens the government's image.
Two 11-year-old Ghanaian identical twin brothers were found dead in the Ter River in Manlleu, Barcelona, on July 14, 2026. The boys had gone out to play football at dusk and did not return home, prompting their father to report them missing. A police search led to the discovery of their bodies in the river, with the first found around 1:00 pm and the second an hour later. Clothing matching what the twins were reportedly wearing was also found nearby. The bodies have been sent to the Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences of Catalonia for autopsies and formal identification. Police suspect accidental drowning, and investigations are underway to determine the exact circumstances of their deaths.