By Joseph N.N.Swen, Accra
Liberians in Ghana are expressing frustration over the slow pace of the ongoing repatriation and are calling on the UNHCR-Ghana to improve the exercise since the ultimatum is imminent.
According to them, the process which involves Registration, Counseling, Vaccination, Confirmation and Weighing of Luggage before Departure, has a lengthy and delaying interval among each of the phases.
A huge number of Refugees disclosed that they have completed all the phases since the commencement of the Process (April 2008) but are yet to be repatriated and their continual visit at the Center for clarity continues to prove futile.
Another concern raised is that though the UNHCR has increased the amount from $ (USD) 5.00 to $50.00 per refugee and $100.00 per head respectively, the kilogram of belongings to take along, remains at 50kg and is restricted to just clothing which is very unbearable because their other belongings having spent about 17 years in Ghana and items such as mattresses, household furniture, cooking utensils which are greatly needed to begin life with in Liberia, are to be left behind.
A 60 –year- old mother of seven children including grandchildren, Sarah Gaye, said, “We want to go but these people are delaying us so they can make more money out of us”.
In their recent Report, the UNHCR-Ghana reported that they have repatriated up to 3,000 Liberian Refugees to Liberia from April to July, this year and that about 2,000, of the 21,000 UNHCR-Cardholding Liberian refugees currently in Ghana, are being process through the verification exercise.
According to the same report, the deadline for registration has been shifted from June 30 to October 2008 and will locally integrate those who might not take advantage of the ongoing Exercise.
The apparent massive repatriation process is predicated on the order given to the Refugees by the sacked Interior Minister of Ghana as a result of the five (5) week peaceful demonstration held by a conglomeration of Liberian Refugee Women Groups at the Settlement from February 19, March 25, 2008, petitioning the UNHCR-Ghana for the concern of all Liberian Refugees in Ghana, such as a possible resettlement into a third Country of Asylum or an improved package for repatriation but strongly kicked against the envisaged local integration option.
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I thought this reptriation process has been completed or at least solved by both the Liberian government and the UNHCR.What is the UNHCR still waiting for,to let our people go back home?I tend to believe what the refugees are saying:that UNHCR wants to get as enough money from Donors as possible with the view of repatriating the refugees,but only to be used by its individual Ghana-UNHCR staff.Even Ellen seems to be disappointing me on a level of issues in Liberia but particularly on these refugees issue.
When Ghanaian forces went to the camp to arrest and humiliate our people,the first thing Ellen did was to condemn our people while Ghanaian human rights organizations and some Ghanaian citizens condemned their government.Is this why you were elected?I need to know from Ellen’s friends and sympathizers.Just a few days ago,she signed a bill making armed robbery and the likes to be crimes that would lead to death penalty.Even the great United States,despite having some of the wrost crimes in the world does not have death penalty for such crimes,but Ellen’s Liberia does.Where are we,Liberians heading to?As much as detest armed robbery and other crimes in the country,i don’t agree with her signing such a bill.
As a Liberian who has lived and work in the city of Minnetonka,in America,i feel very disappointed in Ellen even though i support her during the campaign that brought her to power in Liberia.
Our people in Ghana need to be helped quickly so as to return home for some who can,and begin to rebuild their lives, and for those who can not make it to return,they should be helped to travel to third cuntries of asyulum even though the war in Liberia has stopped.I believe that’s the only way some of these refugees will have a better future.Anything on the contrary will not be good at all.
WHAT IS THE ADVANTAGE OF REINTEGRATION?IS THERE ANY BENEFITE TO THIS?
Ghanian,Ghanian, What is/or (are) your problem(s)
with Liberians?
Are businesses poor because Liberians are going?
Or because jobs are cut at various banks,UNHCR /Ghana,and other so call Implementing Partners?
UNHCR/GHANA, are you planning how to used Liberians names to sent your citizens abroad;esp since European do not know the different Africans from that of the Ghanaians ?
Are you guys having meeting how to sent the last group of Ghanain over sea?
We know your immigration at the borders are rubbering our people by requesting for receipts from items which were purchased since 18 years ago;when they do not have receipts from one year a go if the ever purchased TV.
So many unaccounted reasons for the delayed of Liberian home.
Do Ghana want God to speak to a prophets to let his people go? Ghanaians ,you are SHAME!
Never thought Liberian would rise to leave Ghana.
Ghana, Liberian do not want to stay in Ghana no more let my people go!
Shame ,Shame, on you all after torturing,killing,jailed 5 years old children, the president of Ghana on international stations telling Liberian to go.
UNHCR/Ghana, stop playing games on computer at the office(s) and process the refugees.
All day you guys play computer games and carry out clandestine deals at the office.