The Country Director of The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Ghana, Ms Esther Kiragu, has urged the inclusion of skills and capacity building of refugees in Ghana as part of achieving the 2030   Sustainable Development Goals’ (SGDs) agenda of 'Leaving No One Behind'.

She made these remarks at the 'Step for Safety Walk' as part of the LuQuLuQu Campaign organised by the UNHCR aimed at showing solidarity with the over 24 million people who have been forced to flee their homes across Africa.

The LuQuLuQu Campaign aims to change the narrative projected to the world of African's forcibly displaced  and instead show them as resilient and empowered.

She noted that globally, there is an unprecedented rise in the number of people forced to flee. The figures now stand at 70.8 million comprising 25.9 million refugees, 3.5 million asylum seekers and 41.3 million internally displaced persons.

Ms Kiragu said that Africa alone has about 25 million forcibly displaced persons with over 13,000 refugees living in Ghana in 4 camps ; Egyeikuma, Krisan, Ampian and Fetentaa.
She emphasized that refugees are not burdens or dependents but rather, people with skills and talents who can contribute to the economy of the country they find themselves in.

Dr Kofi Anani, Executive Secretary of the Ghana Refugee Board, pointed out that rather than handouts and generosity, refugees needed opportunities to utilize their skills and talents.
He  also  urged  more  advocacy  and  support  for  refugees.

In an emotional simulation exercise, the refugees reenacted what their refugee journey was like from the crisis stage to receiving assistance from UNHCR to give people first hand knowledge of the refugee experience.

Tibo Rogers, a Sierra Leonean refugee now working with the UNHCR, said that he became internally displaced in Sierra Leone aged 11 for 7 years before escaping to Ghana unaccompanied at the age of 18. He commended UNHCR for providing him an education and a second chance at life.

He urged global financial support especially for the LuQuLuQu Campaign to assist other refugees under the care of UNHCR.

The Step for Safety Walk aims at amplifying the support and awareness for refugee responses in the region and proceeds raised will go directly to support these families forced to flee. Individuals, companies, foundations and private philanthropists are therefore urged to support the campaign.

The walk begun at the Accra Polo Court through the Airport road to the 37 military hospital and ended at the Accra Polo Court.