Liberian refugees reject UNHCR's integration plan

By Ojuku S. Kangar Jr.

Liberian Refugees in Ghana have refused to accept UN Refugee Agency's plan to have them integrate into Ghanaian society and pay tax to the Government of Ghana.

This comes in the wake of a recent pronouncement made by the UN Community Office and the Buduburam Refugee Camp Manager at a meeting with residents held at the Saint Gregory Catholic church in Buduburam on November 27, 2007.

According to the UN Community Officer, Elise Menorupose, the program that resettled Liberian Refugees to a third country of asylum is over, as well as the Voluntary Repatriation exercise. She said the only option left is staying in Ghana.

She said though the integration plan is yet to be finalized with the Government of Ghana, and that UNHCR will do all it can to educate Liberian refugees on the process as soon as the Ghanaian Government consents to the plan.

On the issue of taxation, Camp Manager Cal Afum strongly warned Liberian refugees that the law of Ghana does not exempt refugees from payment of tax.

He said the Gomoa District Assembly Area Council, Buduburam Unit, has told him that organizations (NGOs and CBOs), churches, businesses on the camp would have to pay taxes to the Government of Ghana, adding that this was made clear from the beginning when the first batch of Liberian Refugees arrived in September 1990.

According to him, this should have taken effect on October 25, 2007, but he pleaded with the District Council for time to adequately inform the refugees about the process before its implementation.

The camp manager said that people would have to pay taxes on items like vegetables, ice water and clothes. Business would also be expected to pay taxes so to cover costs for things like waste disposal. He said people who don’t pay their taxes would be prosecuted.

Varney B. Sambola, the Liberian Refugee Welfare Council (LRWC) Chairman, stressed that the rights of refugees must not be denied and that integrating them into Ghana must voluntary and not compulsory.

He urged his people to show their commitment to tax payment if they accept UNHCR's plan, though, but the refugees gathered at the meeting shouted, "NO, NO! We don't want integration and tax payment but a third country of asylum.”

He concluded by cautioning the refugees to be peaceful and law abiding, and faithfully place trust in their God.

Samuel Kollie, the spokesman of the Liberian Refugee Elders Council, said the UNHCR and the Government of Ghana should make sure they have the consent of refugees before considering integrating them into the country and asking them to pay taxes.