The first batch of approximately 750 Liberian refugees living at Gomoa Buduburam in the Central Region have begun their journey back to their home country.
These refugees, who had their structures demolished by traditional rulers at Gomoa Buduburam, were transported in 20 buses accompanied by cargo vehicles carrying their personal belongings.
This group is part of a total of 4,300 Liberian refugees scheduled to return home between May and June this year.
The repatriation effort is being led by the Liberia Refugee Repatriation Resettlement Commission, with the aim of bringing their citizens back from the camp. The Buduburam camp, established by the UNHCR in 1990, provided shelter to more than 12,000 Liberian refugees who fled their country during the first and second Liberian civil wars, as well as Sierra Leonean refugees who escaped the civil war in their country.
During a pre-departure ceremony, Liberia’s Deputy Minister of Legal Affairs, Jeddi Armah, expressed gratitude to the Ghanaian government for their support throughout the repatriation process. He encouraged the refugees to view their return as an opportunity to rebuild the Liberia they envision, emphasizing that the camp was meant as a temporary sanctuary during the war and could no longer serve as a long-term residence.
Mr. Armah assured the refugees that provisions had been made for their smooth repatriation and stay in Liberia. He also thanked the government and people of Ghana for hosting the Liberian refugees during their time of need and distress.
As the refugees embark on their journey back to Liberia, it marks the beginning of the closure of their presence in Ghana and a new chapter in their lives as they seize the opportunity to rebuild their homeland.
