The Deputy Director for West and Central Africa Bureau of the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), Mr Andrew Wyllie, has commended Ghana for its commitment to international refugee protection standards, praising the country’s reception and management of refugees during times of crisis.
The commendation was made by Mr. Andrew Wyllie during a courtesy call on the Minister for the Interior, Hon. Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, in Accra.
Mr. Wyllie said Ghana’s asylum system aligns with UNHCR policy and pledged continued partnership to strengthen it. “UNHCR and Ghana will work together to continue with the asylum system and will be partners to mobilize projects,” he stated.
He called for greater inclusion of refugees in Government services, including education, jobs, skills training and income-generating ventures. Mr. Wyllie particularly praised the Ghana Refugee Agribusiness Sustainable Programme, saying it reflects a shared commitment to move “beyond dependency toward self-reliance, resilience, and dignified livelihoods for refugees and host communities.”
In response, Hon. Muntaka reaffirmed Ghana’s Pan-Africanist stance, noting that the country offers refuge because “crisis can befall anybody.” He added, “In helping others, we know we cannot give what we don’t have, but Ghana will continue to do its best and extend the necessary courtesies to asylum seekers.”
The Minister acknowledged that Ghana is managing a high number of migrants and is exploring options to register eligible persons as refugees or facilitate voluntary return to their countries.
He expressed gratitude for the visit and commended the Ghana Refugee Board for its work.
