NADMO AND UNHCR PROMISE NEW REFUGEE CAMP IN CENTRAL REGION

Laura White - Projects Abroad

Kofi Portuphy the National Coordinator for the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) promised a new camp for Cote d’Ivoire refugees on over 50 acres of Land in Eqyeikrom in Central Region yesterday. 

Addressing the 150 refugees present at registration he promised aid and security in Ghana. Welcoming the registering refugees in the Elmina District Assembly he promised a new facility to relieve pressure from the families and friends who are currently supporting their displaced relatives. With the aid of a translator he spoke to the refugees, many with young children saying “We are the same people” and stressing their need to fully co-operate with both the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) and NADMO based in Ghana, to allow for both essential needs and financial ones to be provided swiftly.

With over 16,700 refugees, and an average of 200 arriving daily at registration points all over Ghana’s coastal region, officials are struggling to accommodate them in both the Central and Western Region. The National coordinator reassured the refugees and their families by saying “If there is a problem, it’s our responsibility to protect you”. With five refugee camps promised by NADMO and criticism that their resources are overstretched, Mr. Portuphy has thanked the public for donations for continued aid to the refugees, as food, medicine, blankets and water are all high in demand. There are high hopes for the new refugee camp in Egyeikrom, to fulfill the needs of the refugees for safety and stability on a larger scale.  

The elections held in Cote d’ Ivoire in November 2010, were intended to heal the rift of civil unrest that began in 2002. However Laurent Gbagbo refused to step down for his opponent Mr Allasanne Ouattarra when he successfully beat him in the elections. Over one million people have been displaced to neighboring countries fearing persecution, and a reported 473 people have died according to the UN because of the political unrest. One eye witness named Isaac, a refugee in the Elmina District Assembly registration hall for refugees said “It was very frightening, gunshots heard all the time, people running everywhere, and because you did not understand what was happening, you run too”.

Positive reports are streaming in from Ivory Coast; the UN recognized president’s forces are making rapid progress to recapture control of the country since Monday. They captured the capital Yammoussoukro and the vital port of San Pedro on Wednesday. The Army Chief Gen Mangou has defected and sought refuge in the South African Ambassador’s residence. The head of the military police Edouard Kassarate has gone to Hotel du Golf, Ouattarra’s head quarters to surrender himself, Gbagbo losing another vital ally.

On Wednesday afternoon the UN Security Council voted to impose sanctions on Mr. Gbagbo, his wife Simone, and three of his closest known associates. Drafted up by France and Nigeria, the UN Resolution imposes a travel ban and freezes all known assets of the group.  Currently Gbagbo’s stronghold is the city of Abidjan, however with French forces and pro-Ouattarra forces closing in; his reign of terror and corruption looks to be in its closing days.