The Ministry of National Security has rejected media reports and publications alleging that the Ghana Armed Forces is planning to force Burkinabe refugees out of Ghana.
A statement released by the Ministry yesterday said Ghana is committed to offering shelter and support to Burkinabe nationals.
“The Ministry refutes such claims and wishes to state that Ghana is committed to accommodating Burkinabe nationals who have been displaced into the Upper East and Upper West regions of Ghana due to the prevailing security situation in southern Burkina Faso,” portions of the statement said.
According to the Ministry, the Ghana Refugee Board and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) have established a temporary reception centre for 2,100 displaced Burkinabe nationals.
The statement also disclosed that, currently, 530 displaced Burkinabes are being accommodated at the reception centre, stressing that Ghanaian official entities ensure that the displaced persons had access to free food and medical care.
Measures
As part of measures to enhance containment efforts, it indicated, a 30-acre land had been acquired for the establishment of housing facilities to host displaced persons.
Contrary to claims that displaced Burkinabes were being forced out of Ghana, it noted that a repatriation process had, however, been instituted at the reception centre to aid the movement of Burkinabes who wish to voluntarily return to their country.
“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,” it added.
The statement also reaffirmed government’s determination to safeguard the peace, stability and territorial integrity of the country, and promote the welfare of the citizens of the country
It assured that government would continue to undertake the necessary operations without compromising values, such as respect for human rights, including the rights of refugees and displaced persons from neighbouring countries.