Accra: Mr. Tetteh Padi, the Executive Secretary of the Ghana Refugee Board (GRB), has dismissed the misconception that refugees are a burden on society. He emphasized that many refugees arrive with valuable skills, professions, and qualifications, which they are eager to contribute to their host communities.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Padi highlighted the ongoing efforts by the GRB in collaboration with partner agencies to integrate refugees into the workforce, enabling them to contribute to the development of the societies they join. He made these remarks during a gathering of stakeholders and refugees at the launch of a joint support project for Persons of Concern (PoCs) at the Tarikom Refugee Camp in the Bawku West District.
The project, initiated by the Humanitarian and Social Affairs Directorate of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) alongside Ghana, is set to commence on October 1, 2025. It is a six-month initiative to be executed in partnership with the GRB, the NGO Right To Be Free, and the National Disaster Management Organization.
Mr. Padi expressed pride in the attitude of Burkinabe refugees, who upon arrival, expressed a desire to work rather than rely on handouts. He outlined that a key part of the project will focus on fulfilling the livelihood needs of PoCs, aligning with the GRB's flagship initiative, the Ghana Refugee Agribusiness Sustainability Programme (GRASP), which complements the Government's Feed Ghana Programme.
He further encouraged PoCs, including refugees, asylum seekers, returnees, and internally displaced individuals, to seize the opportunity provided by ECOWAS to enhance their resilience and contribute positively to the Ghanaian society. Additionally, he urged local communities to maintain peaceful coexistence with the refugees.
Dr. Stintiki Tarfa Ugbe, Director of Humanitarian and Social Affairs at the ECOWAS Commission, emphasized that the PoCs project demonstrates that humanitarian efforts extend beyond emergency responses. She underscored the importance of building community resilience and expressed hope for the successful implementation of the livelihood support aspects of the project.
Dr. Ugbe reiterated ECOWAS's commitment to deeper engagement and collaboration with local communities, aiming for a future where all individuals in the Upper East Region can thrive, regardless of their circumstances.
In a speech delivered on behalf of Mr. Donatus Akamugri Atanga, the Upper East Regional Minister, it was noted that West Africa faces challenges such as conflict, political instability, and climate shocks, which force many to seek refuge. He acknowledged Ghana's longstanding tradition of peace and hospitality, while also emphasizing the crucial support from ECOWAS in strengthening capacities and improving service delivery.
The launch of the project was portrayed not only as a ceremonial event but as a reminder of the shared responsibility among governments, regional institutions, and development partners to uphold the rights and dignity of all individuals, irrespective of their status or origin.
