BASE
PROJECT

Following terrorist actions in Burkina Faso, there has been an influx of asylum seekers into the Upper East region of Ghana. Over 5400 men, women, and children are currently housed at a reception center created by the Ghana Refugee Board (GRB) at Tarikom to receive asylum seekers (AS) who had initially sought refuge in host communities such as Sapeliga, Gentynga, Tilli, Issakaten, and others. In early August, the GRB relocated the population to Tarikom, and the UNHCR mandated ADRA to facilitate livelihood actions for these Asylum seekers, which led to the initiation of the Burkinabe Asylum Seekers’ Empowerment (BASE) Project. About 3200 asylum seekers, including 584 focal persons and household heads, had been registered by GRB in the Upper East Region as of the time we began our work.

Cashew nuts were sourced from 120 farmers under the Bono-Asante Atea (BAAT) Project. These farmers, trained and supported by ADRA Ghana, were empowered to cultivate cashews using sustainable practices.

Each year, ADRA Ghana successfully delivers 110 metric tons of cashew nuts to GoodOne Foods—boosting agribusiness growth while creating meaningful income opportunities for farmers.

The Julia Taft Refugee Fund Award granted funding for the BASE Project. The project began in the last quarter of 2023 (October to December 2023). As a recipient, the BASE Project aimed to supplement the ongoing efforts funded by the UNHCR, enhancing ADRA’s livelihood activities targeted at the Burkinabe Asylum Seekers residing in Tarikom, Upper East Region of Ghana. 

The period under review has been pivotal for the BASE Project, laying the groundwork for sustainable economic growth and self-reliance among asylum seekers. Through dedicated collaboration with local partners and stakeholders, ADRA Ghana initiated tailored programs to empower the Asylum Seekers and their host communities with vital skills and resources. These initiatives were tailored to harness the potential of individuals and the community, thereby contributing to the broader goal of fostering stability and prosperity within the Tarikom settlement.