World Refugee Day is commemorated on 20 June every year, all over the world to honor the courage, strength and determination of the over 65 million individuals who have been forced to flee their homes under threat of persecution, conflict and violence. With this exponential increase in numbers of refugees, there has been a rise in public anxiety – which often results in intolerance and misinformation about refugees. This year’s World Refugee Day celebration, will utilise the #WithRefugees in a bid to lessen the public anxiety, show world leaders that the global public stands #WithRefugees and that concrete solutions must be found to refugee crisis around the world.

Also on this day, the agency’s partners, including governments, donors, the media and other concerned private individuals and institutions around the world, in conjunction with the refugees, will participate in many activities to create awareness on refugee issues. Finally, the day also presents the opportunity to say “Thank you,” to the host countries that generously provide asylum, safety, a home and hope for the future to the millions of people in need around the world.

In Ghana, the GRB and UNHCR will mark the World Refugee Day with events in all four Refugee camps. However, the main event will be at Ampain Camp. Established on 19 March, 2011, the Ampain Refugee Camp is located in the Ellembelle District, approximately an hour-and-a-half’s drive from the Western Regional capital of Takoradi. The first of three camps established in 2011 to shelter displaced Ivoirians fleeing the hostilities of the November 2010 presidential elections in Côte d’Ivoire, Ampain camp currently has a population of 3,432.

This ceremony intends to showcase to the world, the positive example of refugees and nationals living in peaceful coexistence with their education and health services fully integrated in the Ghanaian system. As part of the activities for the day there will be a tour to inspect:

• UNHCR funded Health Centre recently handed over to the government.

• Unveiling of the Intelsat-sponsored WiFi kiosk which provides free internet access to refugees and nationals living in and around Ampain Camp.

• An interactive distance learning programme for refugee children; and many more.