Deputy Minister for the Interior, Naana Eyiah, has reaffirmed Ghana’s steadfast commitment to supporting refugees within its borders.
At the 2024 World Refugees Day commemoration in Accra, highlighting the theme “Solidarity with Refugees,” she emphasized the various initiatives Ghana has implemented to ensure refugees have access to essential services and opportunities.
Naana Eyiah outlined that Ghana has been proactive in providing free education, healthcare, and economic opportunities to refugees, facilitating their integration into society.
She noted that identity cards have been issued to refugees to help them integrate more seamlessly, and residence permits have been granted to former refugees, allowing them to live legally in Ghana.
Despite these efforts, the Deputy Minister expressed concern over the dwindling resources allocated for refugee assistance, especially in light of the ongoing emergency in the Upper East and Upper West Regions. She urged the private sector to bolster their support, highlighting the mutual benefits that come with the inclusion of refugees in society.
“The involvement of the private sector is crucial,” she emphasized. “There are mutual benefits when refugees are supported and integrated into our communities.”
Hon. Naana Eyiah also took the opportunity to commend refugees for their resilience and contributions to Ghanaian society. She extended her gratitude to the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) for their continuous support and called for sustained solidarity with refugees.
Andrew Ginsberg, the Head of Office of UNHCR Ghana, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of providing refugees with opportunities in their host communities. He advised refugees to actively contribute to the development of their host areas and praised Ghana for its robust response in assisting refugees whenever needed.
“Refugees need opportunities in the communities that host them,” Ginsberg stated. “Their contributions can significantly enrich the social and economic fabric of these communities.”
The event concluded with a rallying call for collective action, reaffirming Ghana’s dedication to ensuring refugees live in safety and dignity.