Returnees at the Sergeant Kollie Town (SKT) LRRRC site in Suakoko District are feeling abandoned by the Liberian government after returning from Ghana with hopes for a better life.
They claim that the promises made to them have not been fulfilled, leaving them in dire conditions.
Novel T. Williams, an elderly woman representing the returnees, spoke on behalf of her colleagues. During the interview, she said that life was good when they first returned, under the leadership of former LRRRC’s director Patrick Woizi. However, that support has vanished, and now they are currently facing severe food shortages and lack access to medication.
According to Madam Williams, there are no doctors or nurses available to help them. The remaining security personnel are only there out of kindness, as they have also not been paid for their work. “We are not regretting coming back to Liberia,” she stated, “but we are saddened by how we are treated by our own people.”
She explained that promises made by the government, such as educational opportunities for their children and housing support, have not been delivered. According to her, they are left to drink water from hand pumps and are struggling to find food.
The situation worsened recently when a storm hit the area, destroying their tents and belongings. On January 24, 2025, Madam Williams described how they had to flee their tents as the storm damaged their living spaces. “We have nowhere to sleep now,” she said, highlighting the plight of approximately 18 family heads currently living at the site.
The returnees are pleading with the Liberian government to fulfill its promises and provide them with a decent living environment. They explained that they are tired of living in such poor conditions and are reaching out for help from international partners as well.
In addition to the struggles of the returnees, Mr. Ansu Kamara, the head of security at the SKT site, revealed issues within the Liberia Refuge Repatriation Resettlement Commission (LRRRC). He mentioned financial mismanagement that led to the suspension of former director Patrick Woizi.
Kamara stated that since the new leadership took over, conditions have only worsened. Security staff, who were once recognized and compensated, have not received their salaries for eight months. This, he said, has left many families struggling to meet their basic needs.
He expressed frustration over the lack of support from the authorities, stating that if their salary issues are not resolved soon, they may have to protest to demand action. The security staff are also feeling the burden of supporting the returnees without any pay.
Mr. Musa M. Sackor, the site manager of LRRRC at SKT, also shared his concerns about the returnees’ situation following the storm. He confirmed that all the tents were damaged, making the living conditions even more challenging.
Sackor noted that they have been without food and medical services for three months, emphasizing the urgent need for assistance. “We have no idea where to host the returnees now,” he admitted, highlighting the emergency of the situation.
He has called upon local authorities, including Superintendent Loleyah Hawa Norris and Senator Prince Kermue Moye, to help improve the living standards of the returnees.
Furthermore, he urged the central government to address the salary issues of LRRRC staff and provide more support to those in need.
the returnees from Ghana are facing significant hardships in Liberia. They are calling on the government and international partners for immediate assistance to fulfill the promises made to them and to help improve their living conditions.
The situation remains dire, and the returnees are hopeful that help will come soon.
