Refugees Board clarifies figures of Togolese refugees

Accra, May 12, GNA - The Refugees Board said on Thursday that the more than 10,500 Togolese being referred to as refugees were in relation to entries into Ghana rather than asylum seekers or refugees. "The Board wishes to state that the Togolese crossing in and out of Ghana cannot be considered refugees under international law since they are able to avail themselves to the protection of their country of origin and government," Mr A.O. Akiwumi, Chairman of Refugee Board, said in a statement in Accra.

The Board referred to media reports that said 10,572 out of an estimated 20,000 refugees, who fled political unrest in Togo, were in Ghana. The reports also stated that the refugees crossed over to Ghana at night to sleep and went back to Togo during the day to work. 12 May 05