No Longer Welcome: Life of Former Liberian Refugees in the Buduburam Camp of Ghana After the End of their Refugee Status and Humanitarian Assistance.

Abstract

This study examined the nature of relationship between former Liberian Refugees in Buduburam camp and the host community and the challenges and resilient strategies of the refugees after the end of humanitarian aid. The study adopted a qualitative research approach through a case study design. A total of 12 former refugees were purposively selected to participate in the study. Data was collected through interviews and observation and analysed through thematic analysis. The findings revealed that the former Liberian refugees’ relationship with the host community during the aid era was cordial but turned sour after the humanitarian assistance to the refugees ceased. The study discovered that the former Liberian refugees are faced with financial difficulties, discrimination, insecurity, unemployment and malnutrition. In order to cope with these challenges, the former Liberian refugees engaged in adaptive and maladaptive activities and behaviours. It is recommended that the government of Ghana and UNHCR should reconsider the policy of integration of the former Liberian refugees who are unwilling to repatriate as well as create a platform to promote refugee-host community interaction in order to build cordiality, mutuality and bonding. This would hopefully minimise the existing tensions, prejudices, stereotypes and discrimination as well as increase socioeconomic opportunities for former Liberian refugees to live meaningful and dignified lives in Ghana.

Key words: Former Refugees, Host Community, Relationship, Challenges and Resilience

DOI: 10.7176/JESD/16-3-08

Publication date: May 30th 2025