The Minister for Interior, Ambrose Dery has revealed that the Ghana Refugee Board is currently managing 14,000 Refugees and Asylum seekers from 35 different countries.
According to him, the refugees are residents in three (3) Ivorian Refugee Camps and one other camp with a population of mixed nationalities.
Speaking at the inauguration of the governing council of the Ghana Refugee Board, Mr. Dery said "The Ghana Refugee Board also responsible for the coordination of all refugees is currently managing 14,000 Refugees and Asylum seekers in the country from 35 different countries resident in three (3) Ivorian Refugee Camps and one other camp with a population of mixed nationalities"
He added that close to 50% of refugees and asylum seekers live around communities in both rural and urban areas.
The Interior Minister reminded the governing that they assume office as board members at a time where the country is hosting Ivorian refugees.
"The UNHCR has kick-started the application for cessed circumstances for Ivorian refugees who fled the generalized violence of 2010 and 2011 when over 20,000 Ivorians sought refuge in Ghana. It still remains close to 7,000 Ivorians who will be affected by the implementation of the cessation clause"
He urged the board to superintend the transition of these refugees from being refugees to having an alternative legal status.
"As you supervise this transition, I urge you as council members to ensure that the Ghana Refugee Board applies lessons learned from the implementation of cessation for Liberians to avoid having such situations as what pertains at Buduburam Refugee Camp"
Mr. Dery stressed that It was critical the transition takes place fully.
"We must not end up with a refugee-like situation but the people must continue to enjoy free accommodation and other services unavailable to Ghanaian Nationals. There are still about 3,500 Togolese refugees in a protective situation in Ghana. You are charged with finding a solution for these refugees"
On his part, Chairman for the Ghana Refugee Board, Prof.Kenneth Agyemang Attafuah thanked President Akufo-Addo for the opportunity to serve on the council.
He assured the Interior Minister, Ambrose Dery that, he and his board members will use their knowledge and experience to ensure Refugees have peaceful lives in Ghana.
He further called on the Interior Ministry to continue to support the worthy course of the Ghana Refugee Board.
Persons inaugurated include; Professor Kenneth Agyemang Attafuah (Chairman), Mr. Tetteh Padi, Mrs. Pat Danso-Abeam, Mr. Senator K.Yawlui, ACI/Mr. Samuel Basintale Amadu, Mr. Anthony Ayensu-Asare, Georgina Mensah, ACP/Mrs. Phllis Ama Tebuah Osei, Mrs. Doreen P. Annan and Mr. Kofi Osei.
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Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith
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