Ghana’s Ministry of Interior has expressed concern about recent reports of the expulsion of Burkina Faso nationals who are seeking asylum from the country.
The reports were first mentioned by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), which condemned Ghana’s actions, saying it “amounts to a violation of the non-refoulement principle, and guarantee access to the territory and asylum to nationals of Burkina Faso seeking international protection”.
Despite the Ministry of National Security earlier refuting the reports, the Interior Ministry has also weighed into the issue, stressing that Ghana has hosted refugees from all over the world since the 1960s.
“Ghana currently hosts refugees and asylum seekers from about 35 different countries, who are received and registered by the Ghana Refugee Board on a daily basis,” a statement issued by the Ministry on Wednesday, July 19 said.
“Over the past few years, some nationals of Burkina Faso have sought refuge in the Northern Regions of Ghana due to armed attacks on them by extremist elements.
“The Ghana Refugee Board has successfully registered over 3,200 Burkinabe asylum seekers. Registration is still ongoing.”
It pointed out that a reception centre has been set up at Tarikom in the Bawku West District of the Upper West Region with the support of UNHCR to help in relocating refugees.
“So far, over 500 Burkinabe Asylum Seekers have been relocated.”
It stressed that Burkinabes continue to enter Ghana and “our country continues to guarantee those who seek asylum, international protection, ensuring that all their rights as asylum seekers are upheld”.
It assured that the Ghana Refugee Board will continue to provide needed interventions for all asylum seekers and refugees until such a time that durable solutions to their refugee situation are found.
“Without prejudice to the security challenges in the sub-region involving other stakeholders, we shall continue to honour our obligations counting on adequate support from our partners/UN system.”
The Ministry also assured that the country will not renege on its responsibilities of protecting and caring for the vulnerable in the society.
