MONROVIA – Today marked a momentous occasion as the first cohort of 770 Liberians, who had been residing in Ghana for decades, were bused back to Liberia. These returnees, primarily from the Buduburam Camp, were met with a heartwarming reception from family members, friends, and fellow citizens who turned out in large numbers to welcome them home.
The repatriation process is being meticulously coordinated by the Liberian government through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Liberia Refugee Repatriation & Resettlement Commission (LRRRC). This concerted effort ensures the safe and orderly return of Liberians from Ghana, with a temporary camp being established in the Sergeant Kollie Town (SKT) Community, Suakoko District, Bong County. This facility will serve as a transitional home for the returnees as they reintegrate into Liberian society.
The Buduburam Refugee Camp, located in the Gomoa East District of Ghana’s Central Region, has been a haven for Liberian refugees since the first and second Liberian civil wars. Established in response to the influx of refugees fleeing the conflicts between 1989 and 1996 and from 1999 to 2003, the 144-acre camp once housed over 12,000 Liberian refugees, as well as Sierra Leonean refugees who escaped their own civil war between 1991 and 2002.
In total, 4,300 Liberians based at Buduburam are slated to be repatriated to Liberia between May and June of this year. The process, which has been years in the making, represents a significant milestone in the history of Liberia’s recovery and reconciliation efforts. The government’s careful planning and collaboration with Ghana have been instrumental in facilitating this homecoming.
Jeddi Armah, Liberia’s Deputy Minister of Legal Affairs, led the government delegation to Ghana to oversee the repatriation process. He emphasized that this initiative brings closure to the long-standing issue of Liberian refugees living in Ghana. Armah noted that the repatriation discussions had been ongoing and were formally agreed upon by both countries since 2021.
“The conversations around the repatriation process have been comprehensive and aimed at ensuring a dignified return for our citizens. Today, we see the fruits of those efforts,” said Armah. His remarks underscore the collaborative spirit and dedication involved in bringing the refugees back home.
As the buses carrying the first group of returnees rolled into Liberia, there were scenes of joy and relief. Many families, separated by decades of displacement, were finally reunited. This moment of reunion was filled with emotional embraces, tears of joy, and heartfelt celebrations.
The temporary camp in Sergeant Kollie Town is equipped to provide immediate relief and support to the returnees. Services include medical care, food, and shelter, ensuring that the basic needs of the returnees are met as they transition back into their communities. The government has also put in place measures to facilitate long-term resettlement and integration.
This historic return is not just a logistical achievement but also a significant step towards healing and rebuilding the nation. It marks the beginning of a new chapter for thousands of Liberians who have spent years in exile. The repatriation is expected to strengthen familial bonds and contribute to national unity and development.
The return of these refugees also reflects the broader themes of resilience and hope that characterize Liberia’s journey towards peace and stability. It is a powerful reminder of the strength of the human spirit and the enduring connections that bind people to their homeland.
As the repatriation process continues over the coming weeks, it is anticipated that more Liberians will return from Ghana, each arrival bringing with it stories of survival and the promise of a brighter future. This monumental undertaking is a testament to the unwavering commitment of the Liberian government and its people to ensure that no citizen is left behind.
In conclusion, today’s events mark a significant milestone in Liberia’s ongoing efforts to reconcile and rebuild. The homecoming of the first batch of Liberian refugees from Ghana is a historic moment that will be remembered for years to come. As the nation welcomes back its citizens, it also embraces a renewed sense of unity and hope for the future.
