A security analyst with the Kofi Annan peacekeeping centre in Accra, Dr. Kwesi Aning says refugees living in Ghana who are not ready to comply with the country’s laws must either be arrested and prosecuted or sent packing home. He was responding to concerns raised about the attitude of some refugees in the Western Region who assaulted a Ghanaian police officer who confronted them while they were using drugs. Speaking with Asempa News, Dr. Aning said “these people are not refugees, rather they are applicants and therefore not protected under the Geneva Convention. They are instead protected under the regulations of the Ghana refugee board”. According to him, the possession and use of Indian hemp is a criminal offence in Ghana not to mention assaulting an officer of the law. “In my opinion they should be arrested and prosecuted or sent home if they are not ready to obey Ghana’s laws”, he suggested. He said the refugee camp must however continue to function since not all of its inhabitants are deviant. Dr. Anning also said Ghana must be strict in enforcing its laws and desist from working to attain international recognition as being a hospitable nation. Meanwhile the United Nations High Commission for Refugees says it is yet to receive any official communication on the conduct of the refugees. Speaking with Asempa news, the Assistant Public Information Officer, Ewurabena Hutchful said the publication of the names of the refugees is a violation of their confidential rights. She however admitted that any refugee who violates Ghana’s laws must be made to face the full rigors of the law. She maintained that the UNHCR is committed to ensuring adequate representation of refugees. Story: Abraham Lante Lamptey/Asempa News/Ghana