Refugees attack police post at UNHCR facility

Liberian leaders at the Bunduburam refugee camp, near the central city of Kumasi, have criticised newly arrived inmates for vandalising property and attacking the police post at a UNHCR office, the Ghana News Agency reported on Monday.

The head of the Liberian Welfare Council at the camp, Joseph Myers, blamed Saturday’s rioting on “undisciplined, new refugees”. The refugees damaged the camp’s police post and living quarters, the offices of the National Mobilisation Programme, and the Ghana National Fire Service.

Trouble started when an unknown assailant slashed a refugee, Thomas Davies, in the abdomen with a cutlass while he was asleep, camp manager Edwin Acheampong told GNA. Davies was treated at the 37 Military Hospital and discharged.

On Sunday a group of refugees stopped Kwame Amoako, a Ghanaian resident, in the area and questioned him about his movements. A scuffle broke out and police took Amoako in for questioning and to conduct an investigation. Meanwhile, word reached the camp that a “suspect” had been arrested. Then, refugees went to the police and demanded they release Amoako to them for instant justice. The police refused and the refugees attacked, Acheampong said.

Police used tear gas and fired warning shots to disperse the attackers. Police also restrained residents of Kasoa and Wutu who rushed to the camp to retaliate against the refugees.