The management of the Liberia Refugee Repatriation and Resettlement Commission (LRRRC) has strongly refuted media reports that the government through LRRRC has reneged to fulfill its initial promises made to the returnees and are being maltreated.
The Management categorically stated that at no time did the government through LRRRC fail to live up to its promises noting, “This is false and misleading. LRRRC is currently working with the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning to ensuring that final payment is made to returnees.”
The Management called on the media to report facts based information instead of spreading falsehood or promoting misinformation that has the propensity to undermine the progress government has made on bringing back former refugees.
The government through LRRRC under the first and second phases of the repatriation program, repatriated 1,539 stranded Liberians from Buduburam Camp, Ghana.
770 arrived under the first phase while 769 arrived under the second phase. The former refugees arrived in Liberia on 24th and 11th of May and June 2024.
Before their arrival, the government renovated the CARI Regional Transit Center in Gbarnga with 24 hours electricity and other facilities.
The government also prepared other LRRRC local offices across the country for a short stay before re-integration into the community.
The stranded Liberians while at CARI, the LRRRC provided 24 hours services including three-time feeding per day as well as security for their safety.
The LRRRC and partners provided mattresses, phones, sim cards and other essential packages to the former refugees as an initial empowerment.
As it stands, the government through LRRRC and the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning has made a tremendous efforts to pay about 80% of the total returnees. Each family head received US$300 while the dependent received US$225.
Contrary to the LRRC Management, the Liberian returnees professed their frustration over unmet promises from the LRRRC and alleged that they are yet to receive the benefits promised by President Joseph Boakai.
At a demonstration outside the President’s residence, returnee leader Alphonso Gaye explained that President Boakai had promised US$300 for family heads and US$225 for children to help them settle and start afresh.
However, Gaye noted that, after three months, they have only received a 25kg bag of rice and have not received other items promised them such as oil, slippers, or financial aid to start businesses.
“We have not seen any sign of receiving what was promised,” Gaye said. “People are hosting us, and we cannot contribute because we lack the means. The government’s promised funds would have served as a vital starting point.”
Gaye added that despite repeated engagements with the LRRRC, which had assured them of receiving their packages before Independence Day, many have only received partial aid or nothing at all. “We were told the funds had run out, and only a few received their packages.”
The demonstrators are also distressed about unfulfilled promises regarding school supplies and education for their children, as the school year approaches. They argue that LRRRC officials have falsely claimed all packages were distributed, leading them to appeal directly to the President.
President Boakai had previously called for the Ghanaian government’s intervention to ensure the safety and humane treatment of Liberian refugees amid reports of demolitions at the Buduburam camp in Ghana. The President’s office had assured that guidance would be sought from relevant agencies to address the situation.
While some Liberians commend the government’s intervention in Ghana, others assert that the land used for the camp has long been returned to the Ghanaian government, and called for the returnees to be integrated into Liberian society.
“The war is over, and Liberia has been at peace for 20 years,” said one local. “It’s time for our people to come home and be part of our society. We need to ensure that LRRRC fulfills its promises for a smooth resettlement.”
Critics also urge immediate action, emphasizing the need for the government to address the issues faced by returnees and secure a permanent resolution with Ghanaian authorities. “Liberians in such situations deserve protection and prompt solutions,” they said, calling on President Boakai to act decisively.
The situation remains unresolved, and returnees continue to appeal for the fulfillment of the promises made to them, as they await a more comprehensive response from the Liberian government.
