Maiden Liberian Day marked

By Patrick PAINTSIL

The Liberia High Commission held a networking and familiarisation event during the festive season for its nationals residing in the country to encourage and inspire them recoup their pride, and enlighten them on the need to return home to assist in rebuilding of their country.

The event was also to enable the Embassy identify and empower Liberians who wish to integrate into the Ghanaian community with vocational skills that will make their stay in the country more beneficial.
Dubbed “Empowerment through Self-Participation”, the event attracted some of Liberia’s high-profile public officials and renowned evangelist, Dr. Lawrence Tetteh.

Angie Kolue Nynemah Lavela von Ballmoos, Second Secretary Vice-Consul, Embassy of Liberia, explained the motive behind the event: “We intended to pool Liberians in the country together so as to create the platform for them to network and market their skills while empowering those without jobs for them to fit in the Ghanaian society.

“As at June 2012, Liberian nationals in the country ceased to be refugees. They either have to integrate into the Ghanaian society or return to Liberia to help rebuild the country, and that is why the Embassy is organising this programme to identify their problem, encourage them and empower them economically.

“The Embassy is currently working with non-governmental organisations to train and equip our people here with skills which we believe can benefit them as they continue to stay in the country -- or even when they go back to Liberia.

Mr. Rudolf P. von Ballmoos, Liberia’s Ambassador to the country, said the fun-packed event also sought to get all Liberian nationals together in a bid to make them “take off their clothes as refugees” and think about empowering their lives.

He assured them of the Embassy’s support for those who are willing to return home to support the country’s development.

“Some people have decided to go home to Liberia and join in the process of rebuilding the country. The Liberian government and the Embassy are ready to assist individuals who opt to go because we believe they have to be part of the country’s rebuilding exercise.

Mr. Ballmoos thanked government for the continued assistance and support it extends to Liberians in the country.

Rev. Lawrence Tetteh of the Worldwide Miracle Outreach implored the people to renew their minds to enrich their lives. He commended Liberians who have opted to return to their country stressing, “you will not be acknowledged and respected in any country like your own.

This is the best time for you to relocate so as to integrate perfectly into the country.”

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