The Ghana Refugee Board has appealed to government institutions, development partners, civil society organizations, and the general public to support efforts aimed at improving the welfare of refugees living in the Upper East Region.
The appeal was made by the Upper East Regional Coordinator of the Ghana Refugee Board (GRB), Sika Agbesi, during the commemoration of World Refugee Day, organized by World Vision Ghana and held in Bolgatanga.
According to Mr. Agbesi in an interview with the media, the region currently hosts 5,576 registered refugees, most of whom fled insecurity and violence in neighboring Burkina Faso. He disclosed that out of the total number, 2,380 refugees have been relocated to the Tarikom settlement, where they receive periodic humanitarian assistance.
Speaking on behalf of the Executive Secretary of the Ghana Refugee Board, Nana Asare Bediako, Mr. Agbesi said the increasing refugee population requires greater collaboration and support from all stakeholders to ensure the refugees are able to live in safety and dignity.
“We need support and assistance to help our persons of concern, our refugees. We need more people on board,” he said.
He noted that while humanitarian organizations and government agencies continue to provide support, much more is needed to address the growing needs of refugees in the region.
Mr. Agbesi explained that the influx of refugees into Ghana began around late 2022, following escalating insecurity in Burkina Faso. In response, the Ghana Refugee Board, together with its partners, activated contingency measures to register the asylum seekers and provide them with international protection.
“These are Burkina Faso nationals who entered the country due to the crisis in their homeland. We have registered them and provided them with international protection as required,” he stated.
The Regional Coordinator stressed that refugee challenges are not isolated issues but humanitarian concerns that require collective action.
“Refugee situations can affect anybody. It cuts across all borders and communities. That is why we must all come together to support those who have been forced to flee their homes,” he said.
Mr. Agbesi called on state and non-state institutions, corporate organizations, philanthropists, and individuals to contribute towards improving the living conditions of refugees through donations and livelihood support initiatives.
He identified livelihood support as one of the most sustainable interventions for helping refugees become self-reliant and better integrated into their host communities.
“Livelihood support offers a long-term solution to many of the struggles refugees face. It helps them become productive and integrated into society,” he explained.
Beyond livelihood assistance, he encouraged the public to support refugees with food items, clothing, and other essential supplies.
“Any form of assistance can make a difference. It could be used clothes, food support, or any other contribution that helps improve the lives of refugees,” he said.
Mr. Agbesi further urged stakeholders to use the occasion of World Refugee Day to renew their commitment to supporting displaced persons and restoring hope to those forced to flee conflict and instability.
He emphasized that ensuring the safety and well-being of refugees remains a shared responsibility and called for stronger partnerships to address their humanitarian needs.
A1Radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|Joshua Asaah|Bolgatanga
