Rédaction Africa Links 24 with New Dawn
Published on 2024-04-10 00:48:00
Liberian authorities are committed to restoring pride in their country’s passport system and preventing unauthorized individuals, especially criminals, from obtaining Liberian passports. Foreign Minister Madam Sara Beysolow Nyanti has taken a significant step in this direction by establishing a four-member committee to review and engage individuals holding Diplomatic, Official, and Service passports for six years or more. The team, led by Garrison Jallah, with co-chair Paul Nyafuah and members Hassan Conteh, Geneva Togbah, and Stephanie Wesseh, has made significant progress since its inception.
Minister Nyanti announced the committee’s formation during a press conference at the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs, and Tourism (MICAT) on March 9, 2024. She revealed that the team had received 115 Diplomatic passports, 39 official passports, and 76 service passports and ensured that these documents were delivered promptly to eligible holders. The decision to establish the committee came after a thorough examination of the passport management process and associated fees.
Minister Nyanti emphasized that the initiative is non-political and solely focuses on upholding Liberian sovereignty and preventing the misuse of Liberian identity for criminal activities. She cited a recent incident involving a Nigerian national arrested in Lagos with cocaine carrying a Liberian passport as a prime example of the importance of ensuring only legitimate passport holders represent Liberia internationally. The ultimate goal is to instill pride in Liberia’s passport system and prevent unauthorized individuals, particularly criminals, from obtaining Liberian passports.
Furthermore, Minister Nyanti announced plans to collaborate with the Ministry of Health and other agencies to enhance the passport issuance process, emphasizing that only citizens are entitled to Liberian passports. She called for national cooperation and urged all Liberians to safeguard their identification tools and support efforts to improve service delivery.
In addition to the passport system reforms, Minister Nyanti addressed the pressing issue of Liberians displaced by the closure of the Buduburam camp in Ghana. She disclosed ongoing discussions with Ghanaian authorities to assist the 1,539 affected individuals currently housed in schools and women’s development centers in Ghana. The Liberian government, in collaboration with relevant agencies, is actively pursuing sustainable solutions for those facing displacement in Ghana. The Liberian Embassy in Accra is engaging with Ghanaian officials and refugee organizations to secure support for the affected Liberians.
Minister Nyanti underscored the government’s commitment to convening stakeholder meetings to explore permanent solutions for Ghanaians enduring hardship. The focus remains on assisting those in Ghana, with plans for repatriation scheduled between May 21 and May 31. The minister stressed the importance of conducting the repatriation process sequentially and manageably to ensure its feasibility.
Overall, Minister Nyanti’s initiatives demonstrate the Liberian government’s dedication to addressing the challenges facing displaced Liberians and ensuring the integrity of the country’s passport system. Through collaboration with various agencies and stakeholders, Liberia is taking proactive steps to protect its sovereignty and uphold the rule of law while providing assistance to those in need.
Read the original article on The Newdawn Liberia
