–GOL Defends Decision to Accept 1,200 Transferred Individuals
By Jessica Cox
Monrovia, Liberia – The Government of Liberia has firmly rejected suggestions that its agreement to accept up to 1,200 individuals transferred from the United States involves any form of compensation or political bargain, insisting instead that the move is rooted entirely in the nation’s deep-seated humanitarian traditions.
“The transfer of persons to Liberia is not a transaction with a quid pro quo,” declared Information Minister Jerolinmek Matthew Piah during a press conference at Capitol Hill. “Liberia has not demanded or received any compensation or promise of reward in exchange for its consent to participate in the program.”
The announcement comes as Liberia prepares to receive the first batch of 20 individuals on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at Roberts International Airport. The arrangement, formalized through an exchange of notes between the two nations on September 4 and September 10, 2025, will see up to 1,200 third-country nationals transferred to Liberia over the next year.
Minister Piah was emphatic in clarifying the status of those being transferred, pushing back against what he suggested were potential misconceptions about their legal standing.
“Those being brought to Liberia are not criminals and are not being prosecuted in any manner under United States or Liberian law,” he stated. “They are being received as guests of the Republic of Liberia.”
The individuals arriving will include citizens or nationals from African and Western Hemisphere countries who are medically authorized to travel. According to the government, they will be afforded “full Liberian hospitality” and remain free to depart the country whenever they choose. Those who wish to make Liberia their permanent home will be permitted to apply for asylum in accordance with Liberian law.
In defending the arrangement, the government has invoked Liberia’s unique historical identity as Africa’s first independent black republic—a nation literally founded as a refuge for freed slaves from the United States and other parts of the world.
“The name Liberia comes from the Latin word liber, meaning ‘free,'” Piah noted. “Liberia means ‘land of the free.’ We have maintained this tradition through the years.”
The government pointed to Liberia’s history as a safe haven during the era of European colonialism when it stood as the continent’s sole independent nation. African freedom fighters, including Nelson Mandela, found refuge on Liberian soil. Stateless activists traveled the world with Liberian passports, and the country has no history of deporting individuals for residing irregularly within its borders.
“As a country, we have always welcomed people who cannot return to their home of origin,” Minister Piah emphasized. “To reject these third-country nationals would be acting against our best interest.”
While Liberia will receive support to help manage the program and strengthen its migration systems more broadly, the government insists this does not constitute payment or reward. Rather, it frames the arrangement as an extension of Liberia’s longstanding commitment to providing shelter to those fleeing persecution, war, and conflict.
The government has called on Liberian citizens and residents to extend “true African hospitality” and courtesy to those arriving under the program.
“This is an opportunity to showcase Liberian hospitality and goodwill towards all,” Piah concluded. “We intend to maintain the tradition.” The first arrivals are scheduled for Thursday, with the government confirming that all necessary preparations have been made for their reception and accommodation in the country.
