'Ghana not in danger for accepting Syria, Yemen, Rwanda refugees'

Europa

January 6, 2016 9:20 PM

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration Hanna Tetteh had said the Yemenis and the Syrians are being assisted as a result of the crisis in the Middle East.

International Relations expert, Professor Keith Bluwey has debunked fears by some sections of the public that Ghana is under security threat following the decision to accept refugees from Syria, Rwanda and Yemen.

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration Hanna Tetteh had in a statement said the Yemenis and the Syrians are being assisted as a result of the crisis in the Middle East.

The development has raised fear and panic among some Ghanaians who argue that the country is under security threat if the said refugees are allowed residence in the country.

But speaking to Pulse.com.gh, Prof. Bluwey said there is no cause for alarm.

"We are not in danger just by playing hosts to a few refugees. I don't think they pose any economic problems for us; security - I don't think either. Let them come. I don't really see any threat to Ghana arising out of it. I think we can do with a few of them around and we are offering hospitality to people in distress," the international relations expert said.

The United States in November 2015 passed a bill that would suspend the program allowing Syrian and Iraqi refugees into the U.S. until key national security agencies certify they don't pose a security risk.

Touching on the latest approach, Prof. Bluwey said unlike Ghana, the US is justified in taking such a decision.

"The US has a reason. Everybody who goes there becomes a master of his own. Very soon they get in touch with technology and become wealthy in no time and begin to interfere in their politics and they become a threat to their security. But this place [Ghana] hasn't got those attractions. I don't see any small group of people causing trouble for us," he added.

Government has meanwhile stressed that the decision to accept the said refugees follows the huge humanitarian crisis being faced by the West and Ghana per its international obligations must help resettle some of the refugees.

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