Enhancing Refugee Registration: NIA Hosts Delegation from Zambia Refugee Commission
The National Identification Authority (NIA) recently welcomed a delegation from the Zambia Refugee Commission, marking an important step in sharing knowledge and improving refugee registration processes. Led by Prof. Kenneth Agyemang Attafuah, the Executive Secretary of NIA, the meeting aimed to support the Zambian delegation in enhancing the well-being of refugees in their country.
During the session, Prof. Attafuah reiterated NIA’s commitment to providing valuable insights to help Zambia streamline their refugee registration procedures. He highlighted that in Ghana, refugee registration falls under the jurisdiction of the Ghana Refugee Board and the NIA. The Zambian delegation sought to learn from Ghana’s experience in registering refugees, improving their economic activities, modernizing settlements, harmonizing documentation, and eliminating barriers that impede their mobility and quality of life.
Prof. Attafuah delved into the establishment and mandate of the NIA, emphasizing the significance of identity-related issues in Ghana’s political landscape. He stressed the importance of maintaining the integrity of the electoral process and shared that the NIA has successfully registered 17.37 million individuals out of a population of 19 million, with 16.7 million Ghanaians receiving their identity cards.
The NIA’s future plans include the registration of Ghanaian children aged 15 to 18, starting from June 1, 2023. Furthermore, Prof. Attafuah addressed the registration of Ghanaians living abroad and foreigners residing in Ghana.
Leading the Zambian delegation, Prof. Prosper Ng’andu, the UN High Commissioner of Refugees in Zambia, urged policymakers and practitioners to shift their perspective on refugees from being seen as a burden to recognizing their potential as an opportunity. Prof. Ng’andu emphasized that with proper investment and wise policies, welcoming refugees can yield significant economic dividends.
He commended Ghana’s approach to digitizing refugees and bringing them under a unified platform, similar to the Ghana Card system. This integrated management approach ensures effective support and assistance to refugees.
All in all, the NIA’s engagement with the Zambian Refugee Commission signifies a shared commitment to enhancing refugee registration processes and improving the overall well-being of refugees. Through knowledge exchange and collaboration, both countries strive to develop comprehensive systems that empower refugees and harness their potential for economic growth and development.