ACCRA—During her visit to Ghana’s Upper East Region, Ms Kelly T. Clements, the United Nations Deputy High Commissioner for Refugees, applauded the nation for its effective and inclusive approach to handling asylum seekers and refugees.
According to Ghana News Agency, Ghana’s efforts, specifically in the implementation of policies and programs supporting the security and welfare of refugees, are commendable. She emphasized the importance of moving new arrivals away from border areas to more secure locations, a decision that the Ghanaian government rapidly agreed upon. This process involved collaboration between UNHCR and various partners, ensuring better security for both refugees and citizens.
The commendation came as Ms Clements and a delegation from the UNHCR and the Ghana Refugee Board paid a courtesy call on Mr Stephen Yakubu, the Upper East Regional Minister, as part of her agenda visiting reception and settlement centers for asylum seekers in the Tarikom area of the Bawku West District.
During her stay, Ms Clements noted that the UNHCR and stakeholders had conducted meetings in Accra at the Africa Forum for Displacement, focusing on engaging the private sector in finding solutions for refugee challenges. She highlighted Ghana’s success in creating an inclusive system that can serve as a model for the continent.
Reaffirming UNHCR’s dedication to assisting Ghana in this endeavor, the UN Deputy High Commissioner encouraged further collaboration among all stakeholders. She acknowledged the particular challenges faced by the Upper East Region, which is currently hosting refugees from Burkina Faso, recognizing the strain on local communities.
Ms Clements’s visit also served to review the operational context of the region’s support systems, assessing current UNHCR contributions and identifying additional needs.
Mr Tetteh Padi, the Executive Secretary of the Ghana Refugee Board, outlined ongoing efforts to transition asylum seekers from reception to settlement centers. This move has been preceded by intensive community sensitization programs and discussions with the Ministry of the Interior.
The Regional Minister, represented by Mr Rex Asanga, Bolgatanga Municipal Chief Executive, noted that approximately 7,000 asylum seekers had been registered, with 969 already relocated to the reception area. Efforts are ongoing to relocate additional refugee groups currently in the Garu enclave.
Mr Asanga also acknowledged the support from the UNHCR and the Ghana Refugee Board, including the provision of shelters and Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) infrastructure, which significantly improved living conditions for the refugees.
Ms Clements’s delegation included Ms Esther Kiragu, the Country Representative of UNHCR Ghana, and staff from both the UNHCR and the Ghana Refugee Board.