Ghana is gradually redefining its refugee support strategy by moving away from immediate humanitarian relief toward long-term economic empowerment, with increased emphasis on agribusiness and stronger collaborative partnerships.
On April 9, 2026, stakeholders from government institutions, private sector actors, and development partners convened in Accra for the Ghana Refugee Agribusiness and Sustainability Programme (GRASP) Public–Private Sector Dialogue, held under the theme “Mobilising Private Sector Investment for GRASP,” to develop sustainable livelihood pathways for refugees.
The GRASP initiative, backed by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, is a flagship government programme designed to integrate refugees into productive economic systems while also enhancing the resilience of host communities.
UN Resident Coordinator in Ghana, Zia Choudhury, highlighted the importance of partnerships in enabling displaced populations to contribute meaningfully to society.
He stated that with effective collaboration, refugees can transition into productive contributors, benefiting both themselves and the communities that host them.
He also praised government leadership, pointing to coordinated action across ministries and regional bodies as evidence of strong commitment to the initiative.
According to him, the involvement of the Ministries of Interior, Agriculture, Trade, Local Government, and the Northern Regional Coordinating Council demonstrates that GRASP has been fully embraced as a national programme.
Choudhury further observed that Ghana’s approach builds on its long-standing cooperation with the United Nations, helping to advance protection, stability, and inclusive development at a time when global humanitarian funding is increasingly constrained.
Deputy Executive Secretary of the Ghana Refugee Board, Nasibatu Taahiru-Swallah, urged a transition from emergency relief to more sustainable, development-focused support systems for refugees.
She explained that such a model is consistent with the Global Compact on Refugees, particularly in reducing pressure on host communities while strengthening refugee self-reliance.
She further emphasized that GRASP should be viewed not merely as a project but as a strategic national effort built on shared responsibility and long-term impact.
Discussions at the forum underscored the importance of public-private collaboration in attracting investment to refugee-hosting areas, with agriculture identified as a key sector where improved access to land and markets can significantly improve livelihoods.
Traditional authorities were also acknowledged for their role in facilitating land access and supporting community engagement efforts.
As Ghana continues to accommodate displaced populations from the Sahel region, initiatives such as GRASP illustrate a growing shift toward linking humanitarian response with inclusive economic development.