By Bill W. Cooper
The Liberia Refugee Repatriation and Resettlement Commission (LRRRC) has pledged sectorial support for its citizens returning from Ghana.
The LRRRC Executive Director, Patrick Worzie, also assured the returnees that the government is committed to relocating them soon, expressing gratitude for their return after many years in Ghana.
He spoke over the weekend, when he along Representative Marie Johnson, and the Youth and Sports Minister, Jero Cole Bangalu, toured the facilities hosting the returnees which are currently under construction in order to accommodate all of the Liberian returnees.
Recently, over 700 former Liberian refugees, were repatriated from Ghana, by the government and have been settled temporary at CARI Regional Village in Bong County where over100 stranded Liberians from the Buduburam Camp are now sleeping in a single tent due to ongoing construction of the other tents.
Worst of it, a latest statistics from the LRRRC shows that a significant portion of the repatriated group requires special attention which include some with metal health issues, pregnant women, kids without support, without family support, drug users/zogoes, among others.
In an interview with journalists during the tour, Worzie further emphasized the Boakai-led government is dedicated to improving their living conditions; assuring them of some assistance in healthcare and rehabilitation, among others.
He added that that government will also aid the returnees with the necessary human capacity and support where necessary to help them rebuild their lives and contribute to the development of the country.
Youth and Sports Minister, Bangalu, highlighted the government’s broader plans and vision to help provide the returnees especially young boys and girls with opportunities across various sectors.
He said, “We have a vision to reintegrate your skills into our national development plans and those areas include electricity, vocational training including plumbing, carpentry, masonry among others.”
Minister Bangalu also added that those with specialized skills would be given placements to contribute to Liberia’s growth, pleading with the returnees to remain calm and hopeful as the government workout modalities to reintegrate them.
Meanwhile, Representative Johnson stressed the pressing issue of rehabilitating drug users among the returnees, and noted, “We recognize the challenges faced by some of you, and we are working on establishing comprehensive rehabilitation programs.”
