The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Ghana, and partner organizations have launched a livelihood support project for persons of concern (PoCs) at the Tarikom community in the Tilli Traditional Area of the Bawku West District in the Upper East Region.
The initiative is designed to strengthen the reception, care, and reintegration of PoCs — including refugees, asylum seekers, and displaced persons — who are currently living in the Tarikom Refugee Camp.
Speaking at the launch, Ghana Refugee Board Executive Secretary Tetteh Padi praised the resilience of refugees, most of whom are from Burkina Faso. He noted that they have consistently expressed a desire to work and earn a living rather than depend on aid.
“I am very proud to say once again that Burkinabe refugees, when we received them, told us clearly that they were not here for handouts. They wanted to work, and they asked us to make it possible for them to earn a living. I encourage persons of concern to take advantage of the opportunities provided by ECOWAS to build resilience, improve their livelihoods, and contribute positively to Ghanaian society,” he said.
Dr. Stintiki Tarfa Ugbe, Director of Humanitarian and Social Affairs at ECOWAS, said the project seeks to enable refugees to live with dignity through livelihood support, food and cash assistance, as well as water and sanitation interventions. He stressed ECOWAS’s broader commitment to people, peace, and prosperity.
“Indeed, the spirit of ECOWAS — of people, peace, and prosperity for all — has been demonstrated in this project. We hope that when we return, all the interventions agreed upon, including food and cash assistance, water and sanitation, and most importantly livelihood support, will have been implemented,” Dr. Ugbe said.
The project, which will run for six months, is being implemented with support from the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) and Right to Be Free.
Upper East Regional Coordinating Director Alhaji Mohammed Issahaku, speaking on behalf of the Regional Minister, welcomed the initiative and emphasized the importance of supporting vulnerable populations, especially persons of concern.
Source: A1Radioonline.com | 101.1 MHz | David Azure
