World Refugee Day marked at Ampain Camp

Henry Quartey, the Deputy Interior Minister, has called on Refugees in the country to help the security agencies with information on all suspicious characters living amongst them to help government make Ghana a safe haven.

He also encouraged them to be law abiding in the conduct of their affairs to ensure that their status as refugees and asylum seekers in the country was not compromised, "You have the responsibility to respect the laws of Ghana."

Mr. Quartey was speaking at this year's World Refugee Day which was celebrated at the Ampain Refugee camp in the Ellembelle District of the Western Region under the theme: "Taking a Step with Refugees’.

The world refugee day is celebrated to show love and compassion to the millions of displaced individuals and families as a result of war, natural disasters and violence from political upheavals.

The Ampain camp is hosting over 2000 refugees from Ivory Coast who run for their lives during the political turmoil that ensued between Laurent Gbabo and other political parties.

Currently, Ghana was home to 13,500 Refugees from over 36 countries across the globe.

The Deputy Minister said the stability and tranquillity of the country continue to make it a destination of choice for displaced people especially from West Africa.

He noted that the operational policy framework on privileges accessible to citizens would also cater for the essential services of asylum seekers and refugees in the country.

Mr. Quartey added that the government would create livelihood opportunities at refugee camps and within host communities in line with the Global Compact on Refugees and would work together with all stakeholders on creating opportunities for them.

"The Ghana Refugee Board and the United Nations’ High Commissioner On Refugees (UNHCR) Ghana are working together to seek international collaboration to create expanded employment and business opportunities for the displaced and their host communities."

In a related development, Tobinco Pharmaceuticals Limited presented assorted drugs, toiletries, second hand clothing and some food items to the Health Centre and Refugees of the Ampain Camp.