In Accra, a key forum launched yesterday galvanizing private sector support for African refugees. The three-day meeting focuses on heightening awareness of refugee plights and forging new solutions.
Moreover, the event aims to draw impactful commitments and reveal how businesses can inclusively and sustainably help refugees, a nod to the Global Compact on Refugees.
The conference also facilitates networking across sectors, uniting private firms, governments, NGOs, and refugees.
Companies are now called to pitch in with funds, goods, expertise, and jobs to boost refugee support.
Featuring over 400 VIPs, business leaders, and 36 Mastercard Foundation-sponsored refugees, the forum showcases solidarity. It also hosts 12 students and UNHCR advocates, thanks to the Amahoro Coalition.
Prof. Kenneth Agyeman Attafuah of the Ghana Refugee Board stresses the urgent need for collaborative support due to UNHCR’s funding strains. Ghana’s own investments in health and education are steps to prevent refugee marginalization.
“Now is prime time for a partnership to ensure refugee inclusion,” he affirms.
According to a report by Graphic Online, Ghana has a long history of welcoming refugees, dating back to the 1960s. The latest group arrived from Burkina Faso in 2022, with over 15,000 seeking safety in Ghana’s upper regions.
Currently, over 3,000 arrivals are registered, with more to come.
Prof. Attafuah shares a significant fee cut for Ivorian refugees seeking residence, illustrating Ghana’s dedication to aiding the displaced.
He also highlights the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty program, reinforcing Ghana’s commitment to refugee integration.
Kelly Clements, UNHCR’s Deputy High Commissioner, notes that northern Ghana shelters around 15,000 Burkinabe refugees. She calls for an end to refugee camps and for businesses to offer refugees jobs.
Clements lauds Ghana’s refugee support and hopes the forum will spark further assistance to complement government and UNHCR initiatives.
