The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), in collaboration with the European Union (EU) and UNICEF, has launched a €2.7 million project aimed at enhancing the living conditions of forcibly displaced persons in Northern Ghana. The initiative, known as “Supporting the Resilience of Forcibly Displaced People and Host Communities in Northern Ghana (UNITE),” seeks to strengthen resilience and improve access to basic services for refugees and host communities, with a particular focus on women and children.
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Addressing Challenges Faced by Refugees and Host Communities
This two-year project is being implemented in the Sissala West District of the Upper West Region (Zini) and the Tarikom area in the Upper East Region. The project aims to promote inclusion and access to essential services for both displaced persons and host communities. During the launch, EU Ambassador to Ghana, Mr. Irchad Razaaly, explained that the project is part of a regional initiative funded by the EU, with a total investment of €12 million. It is also being implemented in northern Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, and Togo.
Mr. Razaaly highlighted that the arrival of refugees has significantly impacted host communities, putting pressure on resources, services, and infrastructure. The project aims to address these challenges and uphold the rights of refugees under both EU and international law.
Shared Responsibility and Dignity for Displaced Persons
UNICEF Ghana Representative, Mr. Osama Makkawi Khoghali, noted that Ghana had received around 17,000 displaced individuals from Burkina Faso, many of whom are women and children. He emphasised the shared responsibility of all stakeholders to ensure that displaced persons are met with dignity, compassion, and the necessary support to rebuild their lives.
As part of the project, UNICEF will focus on enhancing essential services, including health, education, water, and sanitation, to ensure that both displaced persons and their host communities can thrive together.
Improving Shelter and Education for Refugees
Mr. Samuel Dzikunu, Head of the UNHCR Field Office in Ghana, expressed satisfaction that the project would provide better shelter for refugees, as many currently live in inadequate tent shelters, especially during extreme weather conditions. He also noted that the project would help integrate refugee children into the Ghana education system, providing complementary basic education services.
Government and Community Support
The Upper West Regional Minister, Mr. Charles Lwanga Puozuing, expressed gratitude to the EU and its partners for their commitment to improving lives and advancing the country’s development priorities. He urged both refugees and host communities to work together to ensure safety and security, encouraging them to report any suspicious activities to the authorities.
Kuoro Abu Diaka Sukabe Ninia V, the Paramount Chief of the Zini Traditional Area, highlighted the community’s sacrifices, including providing 200 acres of fertile land for refugee farming activities. However, he also raised concerns about the region’s fragile security situation, which needs urgent attention to ensure the safety of both refugees and host communities.
Key UNITE Project Interventions
The UNITE project aims to construct 1,000 decent shelter units for refugee families in Zini and Tarikom, improve access to electricity in Zini, and renovate the Zini basic school. These interventions will help improve the overall living conditions of refugees while fostering greater integration with host communities.
This initiative demonstrates a collaborative approach to addressing the challenges faced by refugees and host communities, providing vital support to those in need and contributing to long-term resilience and development.
