GoL urges Refugees at Buduburam Camp to return Home

The head of the High-Powered Liberian government delegation to Ghana, Cllr. Jeddi Armah, Deputy Minister for Legal Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has called on stranded Liberians at the Buduburam Camp to return home and assist in the nation's rebuilding process.

Speaking on Sunday at a program marking the repatriation of over four thousand Liberians from the well-known Buduburam Camp, Cllr. Armah emphasized that returning home will provide Liberians with a chance to change their current refugee status and live with dignity. He noted that living perpetually as refugees hinders individual growth and development and deprives them of equal opportunities.

"The camp was established to save the lives of Liberians fleeing civil wars," Deputy Armah said. "Now, with the country enjoying uninterrupted peace, it's time to return and rebuild."

He expressed gratitude to the Ghanaian government, the UNHCR, the Ghanaian Refugee Board, and the Chiefs of the Gomoa Fetteh Region for their hospitality over the years.

In a related statement, Richard Hoff, Deputy Executive Director for Operations of the Liberia Refugees Repatriation and Resettlement Commission, praised the Liberians for agreeing to return home. He assured them of the Liberian Government's full support, noting that buses have been chartered for their journey and the CARI Regional Transit Village in Gbarnga, Bong County, has been renovated to accommodate them.

Mr. Hoff added that One UN has agreed to conduct a rapid assessment of the former refugees' livelihoods, and one hundred communities have been identified for their reintegration.

Dennis Gwion, President of the Liberian Association at the Buduburam Camp, also spoke, thanking President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. for the repatriation initiative. Gwion urged the Liberian community to seize the opportunity to return home, live in peace, and contribute to Liberia's development.

A total of 4,323 Liberians are set to be repatriated in phases, with the first group of 770 beginning their journey on Tuesday, May 21, 2024. This marks the end of a 34-year stay in Ghana for many.

The Buduburam Camp, located 44 kilometers from Ghana’s capital, Accra, was established in 1990 by the UNHCR to host refugees escaping the Liberian civil wars. However, a section of the camp was demolished on February 27 this year by order of the Gomoa Fetteh Traditional Council, leaving many Liberians homeless.

As repatriation efforts move forward, the Liberian government remains committed to ensuring a smooth transition and reintegration process for its returning citizens.