The 2019 World Refugee Day was marked in Ghana on Thursday, 20th June, 2019 at the Ampain Refugees camp in the Ellembelle District of the Western Region.
It was organized by the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) and observed under the theme: “Taking a step with refugees”.
In attendance were the Deputy Minister for Interior, UN representative for Ghana, Chief of the Ampain Traditional Area, the Security Services, UN agencies, Representatives from the World Bank, representatives from the Tobinco Group of Companies, other stakeholders and the media.
In the UN representative Ms. Esther Kiragu address, she indicated that globally the United Nations estimated that the number of people fleeing war, persecution and conflicts exceeded 70million last year and that the rate of displacement continues to exceed the rate at which durable solutions are being found. She mentioned that the 3 traditional solutions to the situation as voluntary repatriation which, she said, benefited the majority when people decided to return in safety and in dignity. She commended Ghana for the progressive asylum policy and the Pan African ethos and spirit that the country was renowned for. She added that Ghana over the years have always treated asylum seekers and refugees with dignity, respect and leading a very shining example for others to follow.
He finally emphasized the need for all stakeholders and other private institutions to support the refugees and appreciated the partnership and support of the Tobinco Group of companies.
In his address, the Deputy Minister for the Interior Hon. Henry Quartey, cautioned refugees and asylum seekers to respect the laws of the country, stressing that “everyone, irrespective of status, is subject to the laws of Ghana and will be dealt with if they foul of the law. He finally added that, government through the Ministry of the Interior engages in various tripartite dialogues with the authorities of the countries of origin to discuss the security, safety and welfare of refugees while residing in Ghana and when they voluntarily return home.
The Chief of Ampain, Nana Nyameke Fofoli II also delivered a short address. He expressed concern about the lack of drugs in the health facility and for that matter patients receive prescription and start looking for common primary healthcare drugs. He call on the MOH, GHS to support them massively and even construct a nurse quarters for them. This was because there is no apartment for the nurses to reside when they close very late. In that case the hospital does not work at night.
He was really enthused about the gesture of the Tobinco Group and lauded our noble and giant support. He said “our donation is timely and it will go a long way to stock their pharmacy.” He finally call on all stakeholders, government and private entities to come to their aid and for that matter emulate Tobinco group.
In our interaction with the Regional head at the refugee camp, he applauded our support and said, “this is history” and that this benevolence activity has never happened before, thus, for a private institution to provide such as support. In fact they were very happy and added that our support is timely and it will go a long way to help the situation. He explained that truly there is lack of drugs in their pharmacy for some time now due to lot of debt owed by the national health insurance scheme.