The United Nations is taking proactive measures to address the pressing issue of food insecurity among asylum seekers in Ghana’s Upper East region. Apexnewsgh reports
According to Mr. Peter Aidoo, Economic Advisor to the UN Resident Coordinator, the organization’s intervention aims to enhance food security and nutrition for approximately 15,000 asylum seekers in the Upper East and Upper West region.
Responding to why the intervention is necessary for these two regions, Mr. Aidoo said, Ghana’s northern sector is particularly vulnerable to food insecurity due to climate-related challenges, perennial flooding, drought, and insecurity. The asylum seeker crisis has exacerbated these issues, with numbers projected to reach 28,000.
He further listed some of the key components of the UN’s Intervention as Wet Feeding and Cash Transfers: Providing essential sustenance and financial support to asylum seekers, Training and Capacity Building: Educating asylum seekers on diverse food and nutrition, gardening practices, and income-generating activities, Land for Farming: Allowing asylum seekers to utilize their agricultural skills and promote self-sufficiency, Support for Host Communities: Ensuring harmonious coexistence by providing training and capacity-building support.
These initiatives are funded by the French and implemented jointly by WFP, UNICEF, UNHCR, and IOM.
Food Insecurity Assessments:
A 2020 comprehensive assessment revealed 3.6 million people faced food insecurity due to COVID-19, representing 11.2% of Ghana’s population. A 2022 assessment found 719,100 persons food insecure, with 78% located in the northern sector.
Mr. Aidoo believes the UN’s efforts aim to address the root causes of food insecurity, promote self-reliance, and foster peaceful coexistence between asylum seekers and host communities.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana
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