Penny Dennis (3rd R) handing over keys to the rehabilitated shelters to Tetteh Padi
The Australian High Commission in Ghana led by Berenice Owen-Jones has responded to UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency’s call to support the rehabilitation of shelters for refugees in the Krisan Refugee Settlement in Ghana.
The rehabilitated shelters were handed over a few days ago at a ceremony that was attended by representatives of the Australian High Commission in Ghana, the Ghana Refugee Board (GRB), UNHCR, and refugees.
The Krisan Refugee Settlement, located some 300 kilometres west of Accra near the border with Côte d’Ivoire, is one of four in Ghana. Set up in 1996 to host about 1,000 Liberian refugees, the settlement today hosts 1,041 refugees from 14 nationalities.
Among the numerous challenges facing the residents at Krisan, renovating dilapidated shelters was a dire need. Following UNHCR’s advocacy, the Australian High Commission stepped in to support the rehabilitation of 30 shelters through Australia’s Direct Aid Program.
“In the face of recent funding challenges, we thank the Australian High Commission in Ghana for its commitment and support towards the refugee cause. We know that not only does the Government of Australia prioritise refugees, but it also creates an enabling environment for its private citizens and business to support refugees. We hope that going forward, we can entrench such support in Ghana,” said UNHCR’s Head of Office, Mrs. Needa Jehu-Mazou.
“Each year, the Australian High Commission supports some development projects; the Krisan Shelters’ Rehabilitation is one of nine projects supported by the High Commission in Ghana. The collaboration between the High Commission, UNHCR, and the Government of Ghana through the Ghana Refugee Board emphasises our commitment to promoting social inclusion and improving services to the most vulnerable in communities all over the world,” remarked the Deputy High Commissioner, Ms. Penny Dennis, who deputised the High Commissioner at the handover ceremony.
Whilst expressing gratitude to the Australian Government for their support, the Executive Secretary of the GRB, Mr. Tetteh Padi noted the recent funding difficulties and its effects on humanitarian efforts around the world, and appealed to donors to support refugees in Ghana. “We have always talked about burden sharing. That is even more critical now,” he reiterated.
“As refugees, we were forced to flee our homes, and life in the Krisan Refugee Settlement has been challenging. We humbly request that the Australian Government considers reopening pathways for refugees to Australia, which will provide us with education and employment opportunities,” the Chairman of the Refugee Unified Welfare Council, Mr. Azaine Musa Walid appealed.
A Daily Guide Report