The National Identification Authority (NIA) has commenced issuing Refugee Identity Cards to refugees living in the country.

With this, the beneficiaries will be able to access some social services in the country. 

The acting Executive Secretary for the Ghana Refugee Board, Padi Tetteh has thus commended the Authority. 

Mr Tetteh said the step is in the right direction and 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.”

He also disclosed some over 7,000 refugees will benefit from this exercise. 

However, Mr Padi clarified that this 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 only thing is that the card gives them the right to social services in order to live in safety and dignity.”

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.