The Ministry of National Security has debunked media reports and publications alleging the Ghana Armed Forces’ involvement in the forced repatriation of Burkinabe refugees from Ghana.
According to the ministry, in collaboration with the Ghana Refugee Board and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), it has accordingly established a temporary reception centre in the Upper East Region, capable of holding an estimated two thousand, one hundred displaced people from Burkina Faso.
With this, the Ministry affirmed Ghana’s unwavering commitment to offering shelter and support to Burkinabe nationals who have been displaced to the Upper East and Upper West regions as a result of security challenges in southern Burkina Faso.
“Contrary to claims that displaced Burkinabes are being forced out of Ghana, a repatriation process has been instituted at the reception centre to aid the movement of Burkinabes who wish to return to their country.”
Ministry of National Security
Contained in a statement, the ministry stated that currently, five hundred and thirty displaced Burkinabes are being accommodated at the reception centre. Additionally, it explained that Ghanaian official entities ensure that displaced persons have access to free food and medical care.
“Also, as part of measures to enhance containment efforts, a 30-acre land has been acquired for the establishment of housing facilities to host displaced persons.”
Ministry of National Security
Repatriation exercise is consistent with protocol
Furthermore, the National Security Ministry noted that the repatriation process is consistent with international protocols on the management of refugees and has so far, been implemented in collaboration with Burkinabe Immigration Authorities along the Ghana-Burkina Faso border.
“The Government of Ghana reiterates its commitment to maintaining peace, stability, and territorial integrity while ensuring the well-being of its citizens. Operations will continue to be conducted with respect for human rights, including the rights of refugees and displaced persons from neighbouring countries.”
Ministry of National Security
Prior to this, Kofi Amakwa-Manu, Deputy Defence Minister, revealed that his outfit is conducting some security operations along the borders of the country to deal with issues of terrorist groups.
According to him, it has become necessary following the influx of immgrants into the country. He indicated that these persons are from neighboring countries, and must be properly assessed.
Mr Amakwa-Manu noted that the government has also equally began repatriation of refugees from the country. He explained that because neighboring countries, like Burkina Faso, Togo and Cote D’Ivoire are conducting some security operations to deal with the issue of armed groupings, these covert terrorists may have sought refuge in Ghana, on the blindside of officials.
Elsewhere, the United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) said it was concerned about reports in Ghana that hundreds of citizens seeking refuge from an insurgency in neighboring Burkina Faso were being deported.
In light of this, it called on Ghana’s government to guarantee access to its territory and asylum to Burkinabes fleeing the violence, and cease reported expulsions. The agency further expressed that it was working with Ghanaian authorities to ensure the protection of over 8 000 Burkinabe nationals, and had set up a reception centre in the bordering Upper East Region with a capacity of 4 000 people.
Burkina Faso is one of several West African countries fighting armed groups that took root in north Mali and have seized ground across the region over the past decade, killing thousands and displacing over six million in the process. More than 2 million have fled their homes in Burkina Faso alone, where frustrations over growing insecurity spurred two military takeovers last year.
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