Refugees get a new Community Centre as Ghana marks World Refugee Day

The launch of the community center is in fulfillment of the UNHCR’s policy on Refugee Protection and Solutions in Urban Areas. The centre is named ‘BLUE OASIS’ connoting the warmth of the colour of blue and to empower refugees to remain zealous and resilient. “Blue aligns with our brand and all its attributes and the values we stand for as an organization. An oasis is a haven, which is what this center is about.” Says Ms. Esther Kiragu, UNHCR Ghana Country Representative.

Situated in one of the busiest and vibrant areas in the City of Accra, Blue Oasis will offer refugees the space to socialize and learn basic trade skills. The Centre will also serve as a one stop shop for relevant information about refugees in the country.

With about 14,000 refugees currently in the country, UNHCR and partners, including the Ghana Refugee Board, ADRA, Christian Council of Ghana and the National Catholic Secretariat, work around the clock to ensure refugees are comfortable, safe, healthy and law abiding.

For instance, in recent time, UNHCR and its partners have provided access to water to refugees, accommodation for health workers and transit centers at the various refugee camps.  They have also offered refugees training skills in beads and soap making, rearing of rabbits, fish farming, poultry hubs, tailoring, visual artwork and many more to support their livelihood in Ghana.

During the World Refugee Day event, refugees exhibited their wares and artworks, in resonance with this year’s theme of ‘Inclusion- Together, we can achieve anything’.

Speakers at the event commended UNCHR for their interventions and for improving the lives and livelihoods of refugees in the country.  They appealed to other stakeholders to continue their support to UNCHR and partners to sustain the gains.

Ms. Esther Kiragu, said, UNHCR and its partners will continue to empower the youth to enable them gain meaningful skills and education and make them fit for purpose.

In attendance were some dignitaries including Chief of Mission of International Organization for Migration, (IOM); UNFPA Deputy Representative;  The Ambassador of Kenya to Ghana; Private sector partners; media personnel and some refugees from Fetentaa and Ampain Refugee Camps as well as some refugees living in the various urban areas in Accra.