Refugees at Tarikom in the Bawku West District of the Upper East Region have received vital humanitarian support as World Vision Ghana (WVG) donated dignity kits, medicines, and other essential relief items to ease their hardships.
The intervention comes at a critical moment, with humanitarian partners warning of worsening conditions following cuts in food and cash assistance to displaced families.
Samuel Gmalu, Humanitarian and Emergency Affairs Manager of WVG, described the situation as alarming and called for urgent support from stakeholders.
“The situation here is really pathetic. People think the numbers are small, but their needs are enormous. With the World Food Programme reducing household support from GH₵1,000 to GH₵400, families are struggling. Children risk malnutrition, and some may resort to dangerous survival options. We need more people to come in and support these refugees,” he appealed.
The donation package included 1,700 dignity kits designed for pregnant women, children, the elderly, and women of reproductive age. Additionally, 10 cartons of essential medicines were handed over to the Ghana Health Service to enhance healthcare delivery at the Tarikom CHPS compound.
Awurabena Quayeba Dadzie, Health and Nutrition Technical Manager at WVG, emphasized the importance of dignity in humanitarian response.
“We are here to support our brothers and sisters with items that give them a dignified life. Hygiene is a problem, nutrition is a problem, and health is a problem. That is why we have partnered with UNFPA, Ernest Chemist, and others to provide menstrual pads, baby clothes, soaps, towels, and medicines,” she explained.
She cautioned that inadequate support could fuel tension between refugees and host communities, who already share limited facilities such as schools and health centers.
“If we don’t support them, it will create pressure on the host community and could lead to conflicts. Our goal is peaceful coexistence, and that starts with ensuring refugees live with dignity,” she added.
World Vision Ghana has since appealed to corporate organizations, government agencies, and humanitarian partners to step in and bridge gaps in food, health, and sanitation support.
“These people deserve life in all its fullness. Their human rights, health, and dignity must be protected,” Ms. Dadzie stressed.
