The Liberian government has taken frantic actions aim at addressing the plight of approximately the 1,600 Liberians whose property were recently destroyed on the famous Buduburam Camp and are still currently residing in Ghana.
Accordingly, out of the affected individuals, approximately 1,539 have expressed their desire to be repatriated to Liberia with President Joseph N. Boakai pledging his support to facilitate the necessary modalities for their smooth return.
A Liberian delegation, comprising representatives from the Foreign Ministry and officials from the Liberia Refugee Repatriation and Resettlement Commission (LRRRC), has been dispatched to Ghana for collaborative efforts.
Since the onset of the crisis on February 26, 2024, the Liberian Embassy in Ghana has been in constant dialogue with the Ghana Refugee Board and other relevant authorities, with the Foreign Ministry chairing a stakeholders’ meeting to strategize solutions for the affected Liberians.
However, the Liberian government is determined to ensure the safe return of its citizens, thus reflecting on the events of February, wherein shelters of nearly 8,000 West African nationals, including Liberians, were demolished on the Camp in Ghana, leaving them vulnerable.
Legal proceedings have been initiated seeking eviction of the Liberians from a school within their refuge but in response, the Liberian Embassy is actively pursuing a peaceful, out-of-court resolution, while the LRRRC progresses with repatriation plans.
The Foreign Affairs Deputy Minister of Legal Affairs has engaged in dialogue with Ghanaian counterpart to foster a peaceful resolution aim at having all Liberians wishing to return home safely by the end of April.
According to a release, the government remains committed to the welfare and safe repatriation of its citizens and is urging the Ghanaian authorities to provide utmost support during these negotiation period.
Meanwhile, Foreign Minister, Sarah Beysolow Nyanti has further reached out to the Ghanaian Embassy in Monrovia for diplomatic assistance in resolving all outstanding matters surrounding the affected Liberians.
Liberia and Ghana are at the same time working towards a solution that prioritizes human welfare and international cooperation, ensuring that affected Liberians are repatriated in the soonest possible time.
In new development, the delegation is scheduled to meet with leaders from the traditional council, refugee community leaders, and the staff of the Liberian Embassy and as well visit the camp to commence direct engagement with affected Liberians and initiate the distribution of essential support, marking a pivotal step in the ongoing efforts.
In a major stride towards resolution, the Refugee Board has initiated a re-settlement process for approximately 261 Liberian nationals to relocate to the Cape Coast region.
April 6, 2024 witnessed the departure of the first group of 50 individuals embarking on their journey to the new settlement, with the remainder scheduled for relocation on Monday.
Looking ahead, the Ghana Refugee Board has pledged comprehensive security for the convoy during the repatriation process, slated to commence on May 1 which will be concluded by May 20.
The team’s commitment to ensuring the welfare and safety of the resettled community is unwavering, therefore, a visit to the new settlement area is scheduled for Wednesday, where they will meticulously assess the facilities to ensure they meet the required standards for safety, well-being, and security, as promised by the Ghana Refugee Board.
