Wendell Elijah Mallobe, a 55-year-old Liberian man, sits amidst the rubble of his destroyed home. He is one of 15,000 Liberian refugees who have lost their homes after Ghanaian authorities demolished the camp where they had lived for over 30 years.
Mallobe fled Liberia’s brutal civil war in 1990, seeking refuge in Ghana. He, like many others, never returned due to ongoing trauma and lack of connections back home. However, after years of uncertainty, the camp they called home was cleared, leaving them with nothing but the clothes on their backs.
Over 200,000 people were killed and countless others were injured during Liberia’s civil war. While the United Nations declared it safe to return in 2006, many refugees remained in the Liberia Camp in Buduburam, Ghana.
The demolition, ordered by the traditional owners of the land, has left thousands homeless. Many are now sleeping in schools and struggling to find food and basic necessities.
Patrelizas Prowd, a young mother, shares a makeshift bed with her newborn niece in a crowded school. The uncertain conditions and lack of proper shelter pose a serious health risk to both Prowd and her baby.
Prince Kamua, a 20-year-old aspiring author, fears his dream of going to school might be shattered. The demolition left him without belongings and disrupted his education.
The future remains uncertain for the thousands of displaced refugees. While some hold valid refugee status, many are currently undergoing re-registration for potential relocation to another camp in Ghana. Camp leader Dennis Gwion expressed concerns about the lack of food and potential dangers faced by the homeless residents.
The situation in Buduburam highlights the complex challenges faced by refugees long after fleeing conflict. While solutions like re-registration are underway, the immediate needs of these displaced individuals require urgent attention and support from the international community.
