Takoradi, June 20, GNA 97 The United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) has charged refugees in the country to abide by the laws of the land and desist from engaging in any act of criminality.

"As far as they are living in the country, they are bound to abide by the laws governing the country," she stressed. Madam Ewurabena Hutchful, a Public Information Officer of the UNHCR, gave the advice in a telephone interview with the Ghana News Agency in Takoradi as the world marks the International Day for Refugees.

She said the country was currently hosting over 30,000 refugees who were staying in camps and other communities.

Madam Hutchful said at the moment there were 16,000 Ivorian asylum seekers out of which 7000 were residing at Ampain Refugee Camp in the Ellembelle District while other nationals from Liberia and Togo were in camps and communities at Berekum in the Brong Ahafo Region, Bujuburam in Greater Accra Region and Kristan Camp in the Western Region.

She noted that the UNHCR received support from the World Food Programme and other non-governmental organizations in providing humanitarian services to the refugees, especially those in emergency situations.

As part of activities marking the day, Madam Hutchful indicated that the UNHCR in collaboration with the Canadian High Commission was organizing a clean-up exercise and football match for the refugees as way of recreation.