Gov't To Revoke Eefugee Status Of Liberians And Repatriate Them

Government has confirmed its intention to repatriate over 600 demonstrating Liberian refugees who were arrested on Monday morning, March 17, 2008. The striking refugees were picked at their base in the Buduburam refugee camp. The Liberian nationals are said to have violated the law by flouting orders to cease their protest which has resulted in the closure of schools in the camp. The group has been demanding repatriation to America or a 1000 dollar voluntary repatriation fee from the UNHCR. But government says the Liberians’ actions showed ingratitude to Ghana which sheltered them during a decade-long civil war that claimed thousands of lives in their country. The arrested protestors are being held at a Youth Leadership Training Centre in the Greater Accra Region. The Deputy Interior Minister K.T. Hammond told JOY News that their refugee status is to be revoked after a screening exercise. That will pave the way for their repatriation. He said the situation could not lead to a diplomatic row between the countries because the Liberian authorities would not approve of the conduct of the refugees. Meanwhile the detained protestors, who are mainly women, claim things are tough at their new location.