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Government's concern about demonstrating Liberian
refugees is rising
Accra, March 8, Ghanadot/GNA - The government on Friday
expressed concern about the on-going demonstration organised
by some Liberian refugees at Buduburam and said they should
not overstretch the goodwill and protection the government
and people of Ghana had accorded them over the past 18 years
in their time of need.
A statement signed by the Minister of the Interior, Mr
Kwamena Bartels, made it clear to the refugees that the
demonstration was in breach of the Public Order Act of 1994
and urged them to comport themselves and to channel all
their grievances through the appropriate and relevant
authorities for redress.
Liberian refugees, who flocked into the country at the
height of the civil war in their country, have petitioned
the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, listing a
tall order of demands.
They said they are against local integration into the
Ghanaian society, want to be resettled in a western country
and each refugee opting to voluntarily repatriate to Liberia
be paid 1,000 dollars.
The statement expressed regret that some elements amongst
the demonstrators have forced the closure of all schools at
the camp by intimidating and preventing children from going
to school.
They have stopped the distribution of food by the National
Catholic Secretariat and other non-governmental
organisations to the elderly, sick and children.
"These acts are clearly against the laws of Ghana and the
government wishes to advise all refugees, those involved in
the illegal demonstration at the Buduburam camp that it has
a duty to maintain law and order in the country."
The statement reminded the refugees that they have a duty
under international refugees' conventions to respect the
laws of Ghana.
GNA
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