The celebration of World Refugee Day in Accra was marked not only by calls for greater protection and inclusion of displaced persons but also by powerful testimonies from refugees whose lives have been transformed through resilience, opportunity and the support of host communities.
As government officials, humanitarian organizations and development partners reflected on the global refugee situation, refugees themselves took center stage to share personal stories of survival, perseverance and hope.
For many participants, these testimonies served as a reminder that behind every refugee statistic is a human being striving to rebuild a life disrupted by conflict, persecution and displacement.
One of the most moving testimonies came from a refugee originally from Rwanda, who expressed deep appreciation to the Government of Ghana and the Ghana Refugee Board for providing safety and a sense of belonging.
Addressing the gathering, he described Ghana’s peace and stability as one of the greatest blessings refugees can experience.
“If there is one thing that I wake up every day and thank God for, it is the peace that we have in Ghana,” he said.
The refugee recounted his excitement when he received his Refugee Identity Card and later the Ghana Card, describing the documents as symbols of acceptance and recognition within Ghanaian society.
Reflecting on life in his country of origin, he explained that many people lived under constant fear and suspicion, often having to carry identification documents everywhere to avoid harassment.
“In some places, you need to put your ID card in your pocket even when moving from your kitchen to your living room. Otherwise, you may be harassed by the same people who are supposed to protect you,” he recounted.
He praised Ghana for creating an environment where refugees can live peacefully and freely while acknowledging that challenges still exist.
The refugee also commended the Ghana Refugee Board for its efforts despite limited resources, noting that the institution continues to work tirelessly to address the concerns of refugees across the country.
Another inspiring testimony came from Daphne Gama, a refugee whose journey from displacement to becoming a healthcare professional highlighted the transformative power of education and opportunity.
Born into a family that fled political unrest in Togo, Gama arrived in Ghana as a young child and settled in the Volta Region. Despite the challenges associated with displacement, she pursued her education with determination, excelling academically throughout her studies.
Her breakthrough came when she received support through the Albert Einstein German Academic Refugee Initiative Fund (DAFI) scholarship programme, which enabled her to pursue a degree in Physician Assistantship Studies at Central University.
Today, she is a licensed Physician Assistant registered with the Medical and Dental Council and currently serves as the head of a health facility under the Christian Health Association of Ghana.
Speaking to fellow refugees, she encouraged them to seize every opportunity available to them and invest in their personal development.
“We may not be where we want to be, but every opportunity that comes your way—whether education, skills training or mentorship—should be embraced. We should not simply wait for others to change our circumstances,” she advised.
Beyond her professional responsibilities, Gama continues to volunteer in community health education programs, conducting awareness campaigns on menstrual hygiene and breast cancer prevention in schools, churches and rural communities.
Her commitment to giving back reflects the growing contribution refugees are making to Ghanaian society when provided with the right support and opportunities.
The event also featured the testimony of Charles, a Cameroonian refugee who arrived in Ghana in 2018 after fleeing the conflict in the English-speaking regions of Cameroon.
Before displacement, Charles had worked as a professional nurse for more than three decades and had built a successful career in healthcare. Forced to leave behind his livelihood and start afresh, he now represents thousands of refugees who continue to rebuild their lives despite significant challenges.
His story underscored the reality that refugees often bring valuable skills, experience and expertise that can contribute meaningfully to the development of host communities.
The testimonies echoed a central message repeated throughout the event: refugees are not merely beneficiaries of humanitarian assistance but individuals with talents, aspirations and the capacity to contribute to national development.
Organisers noted that while the global refugee population continues to rise, solutions must increasingly focus on inclusion, education, livelihoods and empowerment rather than long-term dependency on aid.
For many attendees, the personal stories shared during the commemoration were the most powerful reminder of the importance of solidarity and compassion.
As the world marks 75 years of the 1951 Refugee Convention, the experiences of refugees in Ghana demonstrate that with protection, opportunity and community support, displaced persons can transform adversity into achievement and become active contributors to society.
Their stories of resilience, perseverance and hope continue to inspire efforts to build a future where every refugee can live with dignity, security and the opportunity to thrive.This angle focuses on the human-interest aspect of the event, using the refugees’ testimonies as the centrepiece rather than the speeches by officials.
