Ghana Promotes Refugee Inclusion in National Development – GRB Deputy Executive Secretary
Ghana has reaffirmed its commitment to integrating refugees into national development systems, emphasising self-reliance, access to essential services, and sustainable livelihood opportunities.
The Deputy Executive Secretary of the Ghana Refugee Board (GRB), Dr Nasibatu Tahiru Swallah, said this while representing Ghana at a Technical Dialogue on the Socio-Economic Inclusion of Refugees in Africa, convened by the African Union (AU) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
Dr Swallah shared Ghana’s progress in promoting refugee inclusion, highlighting measures to enable refugees to access public services, develop their skills and participate meaningfully in economic activities.
She said Ghana’s approach included facilitating refugees’ access to the Ghana Card, education and healthcare, as well as creating opportunities through entrepreneurship and youth employment programmes.
“The country has also strengthened its refugee protection systems through improved registration, documentation and safeguarding mechanisms to enhance the protection and welfare of displaced populations,” she added.
She noted that Ghana is working to align refugee inclusion with national development priorities by incorporating refugees into national statistics, development plans, budgets and social protection frameworks.
According to her, this approach seeks to ensure that refugees are considered in national planning and resource allocation, while creating opportunities for them to contribute to their host communities and the wider economy.
The Deputy Executive Secretary reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to moving beyond short-term humanitarian assistance towards sustainable inclusion, durable solutions and the empowerment of refugees to become self-reliant.
Judith Twumwaa, ISD
