Challenges in the implementation of durable solutions for refugees in Ghana

Abstract

This study examined the challenges that the various refugees institutions, organizations, and allied bodies or agencies face in the implementations of durable solutions for refugees in the country. The purposive and accidental sampling techniques were used to select 65 respondents from UNHCR Ghana, Ghana Refugee Board, International Organization for Migration as well as Krisan/ Sanzule/Ekwei, and Budumburam refugee camps. The main instruments used for data collection were interview guide and focus group discussion guides. The finding of the study revealed that resettlement prevents refugees to patronize local integration programmes and also lack of local integration policy is a major hindrance to local integration programmes. The absence of policy guidelines and integration mechanisms to direct the implementation of local integration of refuges in Ghana is a major challenge. The office of UNHCR Ghana has no control over resettlement programmes and also the challenge of high expectations among refugees regarding the possibility of resettlement in a third country. In order to deal with the challenges, it was recommended that UNHCR and Ghana Refugee Board should embark on more effective educational programmes to inform refugees about the current relevant information concerning durable solutions. Also when repatriation is being promoted, UNHCR should restrict resettlement interventions to refugees with acute protection or specific needs. Finally, Ghana Refugee Board should be more resourced in order to live up to the current challenges of hosting refugees in the present global world.