Chief of Ampain in the Ellembelle District of the Western Region, Nana Nyameke Fofole  II, has called on United Nations (UN) Systems to ensure that repatriated Ivorian refugees get sustainable livelihoods back home.

“Yes, we now have voluntary repatriation but people are going home, how do we safeguard their stay? Government and the Ghana Refugee Board (GRB) must provide some package for say six to one year for them to become self-sufficient. This is also to assure of their safety.” he pleaded.

Nana Fofole made the call in a solidarity message at this year’s World Refugee  Day which was marked at the Ampain Camp on Monday,  on the theme ‘Whoever they are, wherever they come from, whenever they are forced to flee. Everyone has a right to seek safety.’

He noted that the day was dedicated to displaced people around the globe fleeing from conflicts, adding that such people needed attention no matter their race, colour, citizenship or ethnicity.

“Care for refugees is  a  global responsibility and so we need not leave anyone behind. Shelter underscores everything including security and dignity and it’s not just a roof and so the theme is appropriate. But, the question is, who should provide the safety? Safety is important and it’s a  worry for refugees”, Nana Fofole said.

He said, to neglect  refugees meant that , they would turn  to the  street  for survival by engaging in social vices, saying  “ The good news is that, our neighbours  in the Ampain camp have been  law-abiding, friendly, God fearing and disciplined, and co-existed  perfectly with us.”

Recalling the creation of the camp, he said that in 2011,  and being aware of the plight of the Ivorian friends and also having families in Cote d’ Ivoire, he contacted the  Ellembelle District Assembly to see to the welfare of the displaced at the  Ampain camp.

“I was touched by people being killed by animals on the streets and so decided to act with the council of elders. We sacrificed our land to save humanity”, Nana Fofole stressed.

He told the gathering that, the palace strategised with the camp management to provide foodstuffs and fish  to the Ivorian refugees, which “we have  never, ever  regretted  to   host  our  neighbours  at the Ampain camp.”

The Ampain chief commended the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Esther Kiragu,  for her efforts and particularly, the pioneer camp manager, Kelly Forson and team for their dedication and service to humanity.

The Chairman of GRB, Prof. Ken Attafuah,  said, the camp which was set up in 2011 at the peak of the influx of  distressed neighbours from La Cote d’Ivoire became one of three camps established to host Ivorians who were  facing generalised violence in their home country.

He said: “Nana Fofole and the people of Ampain have lived in harmony with their guests from  Abidjan  for the past 11 years. You have continuously and willingly shared your valuable resources with them. We are proud that  Ampain and other communities welcomed the refugees with love and open arms and stood by them.

“That is what the theme of the World Refugees  Day is about. It is also important to acknowledge the role the UNHCR has played in our system of government to ensure that refugees live in our country in dignity and respect.” 

From Clement Adzei Boye, Ampain