President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has called on the Ghanaian Government, through the Liberian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to intervene to ensure that the Liberians living on the camp are safe, protected, and treated humanely.
Receiving reports about the demolition exercise of the former Liberian refugee camp currently taking place in Buduburam, Ghana, it is the understanding of the President that the current activities taking place are under the auspices of the Gomoa-Fetteh Traditional Council, who are believed to be the owners of the land hosting the Buduburam Camp.
The office of the President assured that he will receive guidance on the matter from the Minister of Foreign Affairs and line agencies as to the next steps to be taken.
The President is, meanwhile, calling on Liberians affected by the demolition to remain calm as the situation is being fully assessed and an amicable solution is sought.
However, as others are hailing the government for its timely intervention, many Liberians at home informed the presidency that the land was turned over to the Ghana Government years back after the refugees’ years.
According to them, things are normal now so Liberians who are comfortable living in Gomoa District in Ghana should then pay for apartments in order for the Ghanaian Government to build their communities in a modernized way, adding, “We don’t have refugees anymore.”
“Our brothers and sisters need to return home. The war is over, and there’s enough of land and opportunities to be incorporated into our maturing society. Let them come back home. For 20 years now, we have been in peace with no more war,” the Liberians stated.
They contend that it is time for Liberians to be integrated into their society; therefore, the government should ensure that the LRRRC act so that they return home, but proposed that there be a package for resettlement.
Meanwhile, others believe that this matter has been lingering for a long time and must be addressed promptly, and appealed that Liberians outside the country need to be protected and sheltered as soon as possible, noting, “We cannot have Liberians in such situations when this information of displacement has been ongoing for ages. Mr. President, you must act and resolve to a conclusion with the Ghanaian authority about a permanent place for our people.”
