Refugees in Ghana express frustration over challenges in obtaining national ID cards

Asylum seekers in Ghana have voiced their frustration over the difficulties in obtaining National Identification cards, which they argue have significantly hindered their economic opportunities and ability to improve their living standards.

Speaking to Channel One News, some refugees lamented various challenges they face, particularly their exclusion from citizenship and ID acquisition processes in Ghana.

Meanwhile, Kenneth Agyemang Attafuah, Chairman of the Ghana Refugee Board, revealed that the issuance of non-citizen identification cards to refugees is currently underway.

“The issuance of non-citizen ID cards to refugees is ongoing to ensure their inclusion in socioeconomic activities and other related opportunities in the country,” Attafuah stated.

Tetteh Paddie, Executive Secretary of Ghana Refugee, highlighted the challenge of inadequate funding for supporting refugees in the country and appealed to the private sector for assistance.

“The same donors who fund activities in Europe are the ones supporting us here. Many of them are diverting funds to what they perceive as more urgent emergencies such as the situation in Ukraine and Palestine, making it difficult for UNHCR to adequately fund activities in this region,” Paddie explained.

Dr. Felix Hughes, a Liberian refugee in Ghana, proposed empowering refugees with skills to enhance their resilience.

“There’s already a drive for education and skills development among refugees in Ghana. If we empower refugees with skills, many of them have the potential to sustain themselves and thrive,” Hughes suggested.

Andrews Ginsberg, Acting Head of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, urged stakeholders to prioritize the integration of refugees in Ghana.