There is growing concerns of insecurity in the Central Gonja District of the Savannah Region by residents over influx of foreign nationals from neighboring Burkina Faso trooping into the area.
The foreigners who arrived in several batches with women and children in long vehicles are said to be seeking refuge following the insurgence of jihadists attacks in northern Burkina Faso.
The asylum seekers numbering a thousand plus, pitched camps at about 55 locations in deep forests within the Buipe enclave.
Locals say, they feel insecure with the numbers of people arriving on daily basis.
“We are insecured because they arrive here in the night when people are asleep. Why will asylum seekers arrive at night?
“When we reported the issues to DISEC and the chief of Buipe, they told us they are not aware of them and so, this calls for action from government because our safety and security is at stake.”
United Nations Refugee Agency
According to an assessment by the United Nations Refugee Agency in the Central Gonja District over the past three months, the immigrants migrated from Fadan Gurma in neighboring Burkina Faso due to jihadist attacks recorded in the area.
Team lead of UNHCR, Djerassem Mbaiorem blamed the insecurity concerns raised by the residents on lack of information.
“The youth have legitimate concerns of insecurity, but I feel it is as a result of lack of information and we will make sure we provide the necessary information and hold stakeholder engagements with them to understand the need to allow the asylum seekers to stay on the lands.”
“Already the people are vulnerable and need emergency assistance and so we have to work out on how to support them with basic social amenities where they are. Especially, for the women and children,“ he explained.
Security implications
District Chief Executive for Central Gonja District, Iddrisu Salia Kamara gave the assurance that the security services are working to ensure that both residents and the foreigners are protected.
“We have screened them, and we know they are not bad people. We will continue to engage our people to understand that the foreigners are only seeking refuge on our land.”
“Their stay is not permanent, and they are not taking over any land.”
The West African sub region has over the past decade experienced some terrorist attacks, leading to the death of thousands and destruction of property.
Currently Ghana’s neighbor to the north, Burkina Faso is battling activities of jihadists which has led to some parts of Burkina Faso under the control of terrorists.
The northern parts of Togo, Mali, La Cote d Ivoire and Benin have also not been spared attacks by jihadists.
In Nigeria and some parts of Cameroon, Boko Haram and other jihadists have also been attacking civilians and security forces for years now.
By Christopher Amoako
