Testimony from Sierra Leonean community in Buduburam

At the primarily Liberian camp of Buduburam near Accra, Ghana (population approx. 40,000 people), there is also a community of refugees from Sierra Leone consisting of some 500 families. Many of these individuals are not recognized as refugees by the UNHCR on the grounds that they unrightfully claim to have fled from Sierra Leone first to Ivory Coast, and thence to Ghana. (Copies of some of the rejection letters sent by the UNHCR are in our possession.)

Without official refugee status, these people are not eligible for the minimal material assistance still being offered by the UNHCR: over the past two years, for example, financial aid to the official clinic of Buduburam camp has been cut by 65%, according to the volunteer French administrator of said clinic.

In light of the complexity of the situation and the many crying needs that we witnessed - including those of the Sierra Leonean community - we are now actively seeking ways to raise funds, even on a small scale, in order to support Buduburam's residents as they try to build a better life for themselves. The needs are many, and so donations can be directed to whatever area(s) are most important to a particular donor: food and water supplies, healthcare and/or seed money for small businesses are just three examples...

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• Buduburam
• Sierra
• Leone
• Ghana
• Africa
• documentary
• reportage
• news
• refugee
• camp

[fandango352]

Very sad that with all these christians in Ghana nobody is helping these brothers . Why didn't the christian body help? Too much rhetoric in Ghana for nothing. I am a Ghanaian in the US and I feel ashamed that we couldn't sieze such a fine opportunity to shine

[TheMZLEXUS]

Is funny how when the war pured in Liberia ...Ghana was the only west African Country to stand up nd accept u ppl in..u ppl have stayed in the camp for over 20 yrs nd now u ppl are accusing us of being evil...so leave what are u ppl do in Ghana? The war is over so what are u ppl doing there? Ghanaians never again accept u ppl in...never..next time will watch nd mind our business...UNGREATFUL PPL...

[kennymanfn]

i am a liberian i was on that camp too. it was the worst time of my life. during the riot i got beat up by some Ghanian. I hope most liberian learn, that camp was hell on earth for me.

[keith19692]

This is so sad that these oil rich countries will not help the refugees. I have taken on 1 family by buing food and rent for them on a very small income myself. If anyone is interested in helping a family please let me know. Keith

[charles0111]

this is really sad but these refugees must understand that in ghana life is not easy. even ordinary ghanaians suffer from unemployment. you always have to suffer to survive and i hope they remain optimistic and achieve success. we are all brothers so just make yourself home at ghana and hope for the best.

[cdladybug]

God bless you precious people!

[jessiengerman]

I will never forget this camp. Ever. The stories that were told to me there, the violence and pain experienced by the former Sierra Leoneans, my heart and soul are with you always. I wish you the best of luck in finding international aid. It is a difficult and tedious process, but eventually some does trickle down. Keep your heads up and eyes open. Never give up.