Around 750 Liberian refugees from Gomoa Buduburam in Ghana’s Central Region have started their journey back home, a major step in their long-awaited return. 

They travelled in 20 huge buses, with cargo vehicles carrying their belongings. 

These refugees are part of a group of 4,300 set to return between May and June this year.

Their departure comes after traditional rulers at the camp recently demolished their structures. 

This repatriation, organised by the Liberia Refugee Repatriation Resettlement Commission, aims to help these citizens reintegrate after living abroad for many years.

The Buduburam camp was established by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in 1990 and provided shelter to over 12,000 Liberians fleeing civil wars, as well as Sierra Leonean refugees escaping their own conflict.

Last week, at a pre-departure ceremony, Liberia's Deputy Minister of Legal Affairs, Mr Jeddi Armah, led a government delegation to Ghana. 

He explained that returning the refugees would mark the end of their stay in Ghana. "We’ve had positive discussions with the Ghanaian government, and they’ve given us the support we need to make this happen," said Mr Armah.

He encouraged the refugees to see this as a chance to go back and rebuild their lives in Liberia, reassuring them that the government has made plans for their smooth return and reintegration. He emphasized that the camp, initially meant to be a temporary refuge, could no longer be a permanent home.

Mr Armah also thanked the Ghanaian government and people for their kindness and support, acknowledging their crucial role in providing a safe haven during the refugees' most difficult times.