Bawku: The Apostolic Nuncio to Ghana, Most Reverend Julien Kabore, has lauded Ghanaians, especially those in the Upper East Region, for their generosity and compassion towards asylum seekers fleeing instability in the Sahel region. During a visit to the Refugee Reception and Settlement Centre at Tarikom in the Bawku West District, the Nuncio commended the local communities for warmly receiving the asylum seekers, most of whom are from neighbouring Burkina Faso.
According to Ghana News Agency, the Nuncio expressed his gratitude, stating, "I want to thank the whole region for your generosity and solidarity towards the asylum seekers." He added, "I am also grateful because I am from Burkina Faso, and we are close not only historically but geographically. These people are my brothers and sisters, we speak the same language, and I am more grateful."
The visit by the Nuncio was part of his pastoral mission to the Catholic Diocese of Navrongo-Bolgatanga, following an invitation by Most Reverend Alfred Agyenta, the Bishop of the Diocese. His mission also aimed to interact with the displaced persons and gain first-hand insight into their conditions. Currently, the Upper East Region hosts 8,075 asylum seekers, with 2,275 accommodated at the Tarikom Centre.
The Apostolic Nuncio also celebrated Holy Mass with the asylum seekers, donated food items, and encouraged them not to lose hope, assuring that peace would eventually prevail. He stated, "God is love, and taking care of one another, especially those in need, is a demonstration of that divine love, which the Catholic Church is called to uphold, it is not a choice, it is mandatory."
He further acknowledged the critical role of various humanitarian agencies, including the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), the Navrongo-Bolgatanga Catholic Diocesan Development Organisation (NABOCADO), Catholic Relief Services, and World Vision Ghana among others in supporting the refugees.
Bishop Agyenta, who accompanied the Nuncio, expressed concern about the growing needs of the asylum seekers, citing inadequate food and shelter as pressing challenges. "People continue to arrive, but due to global funding cuts, the support is not meeting the growing needs, that is why we are appealing for more assistance," he stressed.
The Upper East Regional Minister, Mr Donatus Atanga Akamugri, also received the delegation and commended the Catholic Church for its long-standing support to vulnerable populations. He reaffirmed the government's commitment to working collaboratively to improve the wellbeing of affected communities.
Apart from Bishop Agyenta, the Apostolic Nuncio was also accompanied by Very Reverend Lawrence Azure, Vicar General of the Diocese, Dr Joseph Bangu, Executive Director of NABOCADO, other clergy, and staff.
