The National Identification Authority (NIA) Ghana has began issuing Refugee Identity Cards to refugees living in the country.
The ID will enable over 7,000 refugees to access social services which will enhance their safety livelihood in the country.
Commending the Authourity was the acting Executive Secretary for the Ghana Refugee Board, Padi Tetteh who also mentioned that the initiative is thus a right direction and is in accordance with international conventions.
“Due to the fact that we are signatories to the UN Refugee Convention and also the fact that we are governed by the Ghana Refugee Law, we are to ensure that refugees have access to social services, and it is important that they do so in order to allow them to earn a living.”
However, Mr Padi stressed that the card does not grant nationality status to the refugees.
“It is important to note that the card doesn’t grant them nationality, and they don’t have the right to vote.
The 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol outline the rights of refugees, as well as the legal obligations of States to protect them, including the right to social services.
