Ghana like other countries joined the world to commemorate today, 20th June as world refugees day
The day which is set aside by the United Nations to honour the courage, strength and determination of women, men and children who are forced to flee their homeland under threat of persecution, conflict and violence.
Speaking at the event organized by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Accra, the CEO of Biishville and a leading member of the “LuQuLuQu” campaign, Kwame Amfo-Akonnor said, Africa has the highest number of people displaced than ever before.
According to him, there have been over 65 million people displaced in the last 70 years due to wars and famine and in Ghana there are over 13,000 displaced individuals seeking help within the borders of Ghana, adding that “The average time a person will spend displaced is 20years”
Elaborating on the aim of the campaign he said “The campaign – coined “LuQuLuQu” is based on the African philosophy of togetherness to promote the notion of sharing resources and caring for one another”
Adding that, “the objective of the campaign is to generate an organic call for action to advocate for and drive community ownership toward giving over 20 million displaced families an opportunity to re-shape their lives and ambitions. The LuQuLuQu Campaign is an awareness and fundraising campaign, which is aimed at supporting the over 20 Million displaced Africans who have a story of resilience to tell, despite the limitations conferred by their status” he said.
Mr. Amfo-Akonnor was of the view that, the state of being a refugee is a phenomenon that can happen to anyone regardless of race, place or nationality
He, therefore, entreated the general public to assist institutions like the UNHCR to help people who find themselves in that state
“I’ll now call on the appropriate government authorities some who are here present, to help in finding lasting solutions through policies and legal pathways and to corporations, businesses, industries, personalities and organizations to come on-board let’s amplify our voices, donate and give hope to our brothers and sisters, It could be any one of us, it is them today but who will it be tomorrow?” he quizzed.
