Accra, Sept. 22, GNA - A key refugee repatriation agreement was signed between the governments of Ghana, Liberia and UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) setting the main legal and operational framework for the voluntary return of Liberian refugees in Ghana.
A statement in Accra on Wednesday said the three signatories hailed it as "a highly significant marker in the process of paving the way for lasting peace and stability in Liberia".
The tripartite agreement was signed by Mr Hackman Owusu-Agyemang, Minister of the Interior, Mr C.B. Jones, Minister of Rural Development of Liberia and the UN Assistant High Commissioner for Refugees, Mr Kamel Morjane.
The UN official described the agreement as a solid, detailed document that sets the necessary parameters for an orderly and sustainable return of Liberian refugees.
"Most important of all," Mr Morjane said, "it stresses that repatriation should be voluntary."
He thanked Ghana for hosting Liberian refugees for more than a decade and said, "this hospitality will remain in the memory of every Liberian."
The statement said UNHCR together with the Governments of Ghana and Liberia are taking special measures to ensure that returnees receive adequate protection, assistance and care throughout the repatriation and reintegration process.
"Furthermore, the Government of Liberia endeavours to facilitate the recovery of land and/or other property left behind and to give recognition to the equivalency of academic and vocational diplomas and certificates obtained by the refugees while in Ghana."
The organized repatriation from Ghana is set to start this month, with safe sea and air transportation from Ghana to Liberia.
Upon arrival UNHCR would also provide returnees with an assistance package including food, household items and basic tools to support their reintegration.
"All of these measures are aimed at providing Liberian refugees with the opportunity to start returning to their home country in safety and with dignity."
In a joint registration exercise in 2003, the Government of Ghana and UNHCR confirmed that there are 42,000 Liberian refugees in Ghana. Over many years, Liberian refugees who had to flee the conflict and atrocities in their country had to seek asylum and protection in other West African countries.
The statement said in the context of a region-wide effort, similar agreements would be concluded for the benefit of Liberian refugees with other host countries in the coming weeks.
