She told the GNA in an interview that there is enough food at the
camps and the refugees who complained of hunger were those who just
arrived from the Cote d’Ivoire and were going through registration
process.
Madam Hutchful indicated that about 200 asylum seekers arrive
daily, saying, currently there are 3,129 of them at both camps with 60
percent of them being women and the rest children and men.
She explained that the UNHCR, Ghana Refugee Board, Catholic
Secretariat, National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) and
other agencies had been supportive in providing food and other social
amenities to the asylum seekers.
According to her, the host communities had been gracious and
showed immense hospitality to the refugees by sharing their food,
water and other social amenities with them.
On the security situation at the camps, she said the security
agencies had been on high alert and averted unnecessary infiltration
of security personnel from the Ivory Coast.
“Even though there were security lapses at the border initially
but at the moment the Police Service, Immigration Service, Bureau of
National Investigation, Customs Excise and Prevention (CEPS) under
Ghana Revenue Authority and other security agencies have ensured
security at both camps and the border though the security services are
in the best position to tell you more about what they are doing,”
Madam Hutchful said.
She noted that the Ghana Health Service was providing health
services to those who came with various ailments with the support of
the mobile clinic made available by the Ellembelle District Assembly.
Durbars are also organised to educate them on how to observe
hygienic practices at the camps to avert the outbreak of cholera and
other communicable diseases.
She advised the media to always consult the authorities concerned
on the refugee situation to avoid sensational reportage that could
create fear and panic in the host communities.
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