● IOM MISSION TO GHANA ● NEWSLETTER ● JUNE 2014 ●

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MIGRATION

SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM THE CHIEF OF M ISSION : A FOND FAREWELL

After four and a half rewarding and challenging years as the Chief of Mission in Ghana, I wish to extend my great appreciation and admiration and bid a fond farewell to my IOM colleagues, local partners, and friends. During my time in Ghana, the country has seen incredible growth in the response and sensitivity to the plight of migrants both at home and abroad. Through the tireless efforts of IOM staff, Government partners, UN agencies and local stakeholders, migrants are now better protected and systems are moving into place to deter child trafficking and promote the reintegration of returning Ghanaians.

I am proud to say that there is now a Diaspora Affairs Bureau and Ghana is well on its way of developing a new national migration policy, both supported by the IOM mission in Ghana. Indeed, the future is bright for those working to assist migrants in Ghana and I look forward to following the progress of those involved in this cause from my new post with IOM in Geneva. So for now I say a good luck and good health; and thank you to everyone who helped to make Ghana my home these past years. The time was short but the memories are lifelong.

Incoming Chief of Mission Ms Sylvia Ekra-Lopez (left) takes part in a teambuilding event with Dyane Epstein. © IOM 2014

IN THIS ISSUE

Get to Know the Chiefs of Mission ............................... 2

New Diaspora Affairs Bureau Launched ....................... 2

IOM and UNIDO Join Hands .......................................... 3

Renewed Life and Hope in Canada ................................ 3

IOM Provides TB Screening to Over 347,000

in Western Ghana .............................................................. 4

ECOWAS MIDWA: A Review of the Free

Movement Protocol ........................................................... 4

Return from Libya, One Migrant Finds

Success Back Home ........................................................... 4

A Second Chance at Childhoold for

Trafficking Survivor ............................................................ 5

Dyane Epstein IOM Ghana Chief of Mission

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MIGRATION 2

GET TO KNOW THE CHIEFS OF MISSION

On 16 June 2014, IOM staff in Ghana gathered for a teambuilding day and the opportunity to say farewell to outgoing Chief of Mission Ms. Dyane Epstein and welcome incoming Chief of Mission Ms. Sylvia Ekra.

DYANE EPSTEIN The out-going Chief of Mission, Dyane Epstein, was interviewed by Field Manager, Daniel Sam during her last week in office. What are your feelings about leaving? Bitter-sweet and sad moving on; we’ve accomplished a lot and I have fond memories of Ghana. From the first day at IOM Ghana I have felt welcomed, saw a strong and dynamic team ready and willing to address migration issues. You will leave for a new position at the headquarters of IOM. What do you bring with you? I will contribute to staff growth and development globally, building on the experience I gained in Ghana. What would you miss most? My colleagues, their laughter and the Ghanaian pride.

SYLVIA EKRA-LOPEZ The new Chief of Mission, Sylvia Ekra-Lopez, was interviewed by Project Officer Yolanda Gray during the IOM Ghana teambuilding day. Where is home for you? I am from Cote D’Ivoire but have most recently been working for IOM in Geneva. I wanted to reconnect with Africa and this is why Ghana was my first choice as Chief of Mission. The mission has a good reputation for well-managed projects. Tell me about yourself? I am married with two children, and am a lawyer by training. I have worked with IOM for the past 13 years. What do you hope to accomplish during your time with IOM Ghana? I would like to sustain the good reputation that IOM Ghana has as a centre of excellence. I would like to take an innovative approach and test new ideas.

LANDMARK DIASPORA AFFAIRS BUREAU LAUNCHED

IOM is pleased to announce the launch of the newly created Diaspora Affairs Bureau, within Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration. This is a landmark achievement on the part of the Government of Ghana, which has formalized the engagement of Ghanaian diaspora for effective migration management and national development planning. The Bureau builds upon the success of the previous Diaspora Support Unit through the IOM International Development Fund (IDF). IOM IDF supports Member States in their efforts to strengthen their migration management capacity. The DSU was established in November 2012, as part of a national diaspora engagement project. It provides a sustainable link between Ghanaian diaspora and various government agencies and key partners to achieve development and investment goals.

The new Diaspora Affairs Bureau (established February 2014), was made possible through the political will and the direct support of the President of the Republic of Ghana and the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration. Speaking on the occasion of the State of the Nation Address, H.E. John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana, explained that “people of African descent made key contributions towards Ghana’s independence and Ghana continues to benefit from the contributions of Ghanaians and non-Ghanaians in the diaspora”. The new Diaspora Affairs Bureau is responsible for national diaspora engagement matters within the Ministry. For additional information please visit the website www.ghanaiandiaspora.com.

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IOM AND UNIDO JOIN HANDS

IOM Ghana has established a partnership with the UN Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) to conduct multi-skills training courses for Liberian migrants in the Buduburam settlement camp in Ghana. Funded by the Government of Japan, the project, implemented by UNIDO, aims to develop marketable technical and entrepreneurial skills for selected Liberian migrants with the purpose of enhancing opportunities for finding suitable employment in Liberia. Upon completion of the six-month course and exams, IOM will support the voluntary repatriation of 250 beneficiaries until the end of July 2014. Building on experience gained in previous repatriation programmes, IOM has conducted interviews with the beneficiaries to ensure a voluntary return process; coordinated a vetting mission by the Liberia Refugee Repatriation and Resettlement Commission (LRRRC) and the Bureau of Immigration and Naturalization (BIN) who established Liberian nationality; liaised with the Liberian Embassy to issue travel documents; conducted fit-for-travel exams prior to departure; organized repatriation flights and other logistical arrangements; assisted on departure and arrival; and arranged overnight accommodation and onward transportation to the main

bus station in Monrovia. On arrival in Liberia, the beneficiaries receive a small cash grant from IOM, as well as a toolkit that supplements their training course from UNIDO. “This joint initiative seeks to ensure the long-term success of returnees, going beyond the traditional return and reintegration support to provide skills training even prior to their arrival home,” explains IOM Chief of Mission, Dyane Epstein.

RENEWED L IFE AND HOPE IN CANADA

Life changed in an instant five years ago for Mr. Fathi, now 28 years old. He was living with his parents and siblings in South Darfur, in a village near Niyala. Suddenly his village was attacked and burned with many people summarily arrested or killed, including some of his relatives. He fled Sudan on 20 June 2009, alone and on foot. He travelled west and finally reached Abeche, Eastern Chad, where he stayed for a few weeks before taking a job

herding cattle from Chad to Nigeria. After only 10 days, he travelled from Nigeria to Togo through Benin. It then took three months until he managed to cross the border between Togo and Ghana. In December 2009, after registering with the Ghana Refugee Board he was sent to Krisan refugee camp. In June 2010, Mr. Fathi was diagnosed with a heart problem. By August 2010, he was admitted to the hospital and advised he would need open-heart surgery. After his surgery in June 2011, he applied for resettlement to Canada and following his interview with the Canadian High Commission in August 2013, he was accepted and assisted to relocate by IOM. Prior to moving to Canada Mr. Fathi participated in IOM cultural orientation training. Reflecting back on these sessions he remembers important lessons, for example that you always have to make an appointment and that people don’t mind how you dress as long as you are clean. “People will accept you, whoever you are”. Mr. Fathi says he is truly grateful to everyone involved in helping him to overcome his painful heart condition and “reach a safe and secure place”.

A Liberian migrant learns how to become a seamstress. © IOM 2014

Mr Fathi embraces the Canadian winter. © IOM 2014

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MIGRATION 4

IOM PROVIDES TB SCREENING FOR OVER 347,000 IN WESTERN GHANA

A landmark health screening project came to a close on 30 May 2014 in Western Ghana. IOM’s TB REACH project, implemented by the Ghana Health Service and the IOM Migration Health Unit, was launched a year ago to intensify tuberculosis (TB) detection among refugees and host communities, miners and mining communities, border communities and urban vulnerable communities. The project reached 347,263 individuals in five locations (Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan-172,443, Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipal-68,429, Prestea-Huni Valley Municipal-55,537, Ellembelle District-38,004 and Jomoro District-12,850) in the Western Region. A custom-made mobile diagnostic van carrying, two four-module GeneXpert MTB/RIF machines, was utilised during outreach efforts and to provide same day screening/results for tested individuals. As of 16 May 2014, the mobile medical team registered 4,327 individuals and tested 3,888 individuals for TB. Of the total tested, 230 (5.9%) were diagnosed with TB and referred to the nearest national TB treatment centre. The project team has so far received feedback from the TB treatment centres confirming 168 (73%) individuals have

enrolled in treatment program and more information is expected. Once treated, individuals can make a full recovery and enjoy a better quality of life. The treatment and testing for TB not only improves the quality of life of those affected but also protects the health of the greater Ghanaian and migrant communities. To ensure continuity following the close of the project, five laboratory technicians (one in each target location) were trained on GeneXpert One TB diagnostic and one treatment centre will be provided with a centrifuge, a water distiller plant, a refrigerator and fridge thermometers. Commenting on the success of the project, Dr. Frank Bonsu, Programme Manager, National Tuberculosis Control Programme in Ghana, suggests that this “landmark project should be the standard for institutionalising mobile health outreach for high risk populations in Ghana”.

ECOWAS MIDWA: A REVIEW OF THE FREE MOVEMENT PROTOCOL

On 6-8 May 2014 the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) convened a meeting of the Migration Dialogue for West Africa (MIDWA) in Accra, Ghana. Ministers from 15 ECOWAS member states together with experts from the European Union, IOM, the International Center for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) and the International Labour Organization (ILO) deliberated on the theme, “Free Movement of Persons for Regional Integration and Economic Cooperation”. The two-day MIDWA session focused on the status and review of the ECOWAS Protocol on Free Movement of Persons, the Right of Residence and Establishment (the Protocol); the economic benefits of free movement for intra-regional trade; and the dynamics of the Protocol implementation. These discussions were followed by a Ministerial Meeting that validated the recommendations of the experts and

approved MIDWA operational modalities, which provide for its structure, mandate and administration. Ghana's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Honourable Hannah Tetteh, referred to human mobility as one of the defining features of today's world. She mentioned Ghana’s efforts to mainstream migration and development into national policies. She stressed that to enhance the benefits of such endeavours ECOWAS members need to harmonize their national policies and procedures relating to free movement of persons, goods and services. “One of the key areas of the EU-Africa Migration and Mobility action plan for 2014-2017 is to enhance mobility by better organizing legal migration and fostering well-managed mobility among countries", concluded the Head of the EU Delegation to Ghana, Ambassador Claude Maerten. For additional information please visit: www.fmmwestafrica.com

RETURN FROM L IBYA , ONE MIGRANT FINDS SUCCESS BACK HOME

Twenty-four year old Adu was a footballer who aspired to play for a big football club either in Ghana or abroad. However, in 2012 he abandoned his footballing ambitions and travelled by road to Libya in search of a better life, and he harboured the idea to cross the Mediterranean Sea to Europe if the opportunity came.

While in Libya, Adu was engaged in the plastering of buildings (malaga) for four months before he was arrested and held for four months in a detention centre because he lacked legal working documents. He asserts that while in detention all his hopes for release were exhausted, when he met IOM staff who had come to the centre on a working visit. With the help of IOM Libya and

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IOM’s Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (AVRR) programme Adu, together with other migrants who requested assistance to return home, received travel

documents, air transport back to Ghana, arrival assistance, and reintegration assistance to establish a small business. In February 2013, Adu returned to Sunyani, Ghana and was reunited with his family. He was counselled by IOM Ghana about his eligibility for IOM reintegration assistance to start a new enterprise. Adu eagerly submitted a business plan to start an iron rod supply company. After a few months, out of the proceeds of his business, he enrolled in an apprenticeship programme to learn how to be a tile layer. The shop is currently being run by his sister, while he concentrates on his apprenticeship and revives his footballing career. Adu is happy to have returned to Ghana and has no plans of travelling abroad. He insists that the only reason he would consider travelling abroad in the future would be to play football.

A SECOND CHANCE AT CHILDHOOD FOR TRAFFICKING SURVIVOR

Enyonam* was among the 36 trafficked children rescued by IOM Ghana in 2008. She was trafficked by her mother for economic gains at the age of five and survived over seven years of forced labour working for a fisherman at Krachi village along Volta Lake.

Before being rescued by IOM, Enyonam endured hazardous working conditions and engaged in casting and pulling nets, scaling fish, smoking and selling fish, and domestic chores. Shortly after her rescue, she was reunited with her mother in the Greater Accra Region. Enyonam was immediately enrolled in school and through determination and hard work she is currently in Junior High School, Form Three, soon to write her Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE). Her academic performance is excellent and she has consistently ranked first in her class and is the girls’ prefect of her school, despite the disadvantage of missing school while she was trafficked and the economic difficulties of her family.

During a recent monitoring visit Enyonam commented on IOM’s assistance, saying ‘’I am so thankful to you [IOM] for rescuing me and enrolling me in school. I’m happy to be in school. May God bless you’’.

DONOR and PARTNERSHIP SUPPORT:

Adu outside his iron rod supply shop. © IOM 2014

Enyonam is now a star pupil in school. © IOM 2014

IOM M IS S I ON T O GH AN A

House No. 10, Plot No. 48, Osu-Badu Road/Broadway • Airport West P.O. Box 5222 • Accra • Ghana

TEL: +233 (0)302.742930 EMAIL: iomaccra@iom.int •WEBSITE: http://www.iom.int

THE IOM M I SSION

IOM is committed to the principle that humane and orderly migration benefits migrants and society. As the leading international organization for migration, IOM acts with partners in the international community to:

Assist in meeting the growing operational challenges of migration management;

Advance understanding of migration issues;

Encourage social and economic development.

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