Refuge "awareness" in Ghana refuge wishes to speak

[allrock123]

Hello everyone and welcome , I have a friend from Ghana who is a liberaian refuge living in the Buduburam refugee camp in Accura ghana, We have known each other for 3 years and he has a deep intrest in Avatar and how it strongly relates what his people have been through (as many there do as well) he wishes to establish dialog and let others know what his people go through in day to day life, we sponcer him directly (his name is alexander) and there are children in his extended family ,because of past actions of liberian scam artists, refuges with an honest need for help have a very difficult time receving it, I am not suprised, its his goal in life like any other refuge to find an honest job and become self-sufficient He has requested I create this thread. I will let him speak for himself. I have requesed he not ask for Aid.

[transcend]

so is this like a question and answer thing?

i guess i could start by saying ''hello''

[_Omaticaya_]

Huh, sounds awesome I hope he enjoyes the 'time' here it's amazing how Avatar reaches those places too, where they experience the Real tough stuff... :/

[allrock123]

It will be , alexander has not started his thread here yet I am working to educate him on using the forum.

[allrock123]

Yes very true , I sent him to see the film , its quite intresting to take a look at how the international comunitys relate too Avatar , I hear storys out of China ,Italy,and Brazil,as well, Avatar was very populer in Africa and people deaply related, The only way many had to to see the film was in small shops that would show the dvd (for a fee) on a small tv, few cinemas in Ghana had the ability to show 3D films and the one that did in Accura was charging around $ 45 USD for a seat , only the wealthy locals could afford such a luxury.

[Ja'k Dawsiin]

well,this sounds interesting...i like seeing the influence of Avatar the world over. hi,Alexander....

[barlee2005]

Alexander Quaye Garlo, Liberian refugee residing here in Buduburam refugee camp Ghana. I was able to watch Avatar through my friend Brian (allrock123) for which i like very much all because i learn about from this film i can say that this is one of the best film i have ever watch because it teaches me that all human beings should be equal and respect one and other. But some people just refuse to take that all because their cups are filled but never these less.
We as refugees here in Ghana are all not the same as they have spoiled and good apples but here we have many needed and honest people.

Camp Condition
The Buduburam Refugee Camp was established in 1990 by the Ghanian Government and the UNHCR when the war erupted in Liberia. The camp as of this date hosts over forty-five thousand refugees according to UNHCR registration conducted. The camp is forty five minutes drive away from Accra, Ghana`s capital city. Refugees are faced with severe hardships including lack of toilet facilities, pipe borne water, sheltering, sanitation, food etc. etc.

Toilet Facilities
To serve nature is a very serious problem. The very few toilet facilities available on camp
are being commercialized. They are not even sufficient to serve the ever increasing refugee populace. The use of these facilities are in categories: ordinary, special, VIP, and the flush type. The amounts of 20 pesewas, 30 pesewas, 50 pesewas, and 1 cedi (all are in cedis) are paid respectively to respond to the call of nature using either of the categories. Those who cannot afford to pay the amount mentioned above are compelled to walk ten or fifteen minutes in the bushes rain or shine. Cases of snake bites have been reported and even on the increase.

Water
The lack of pipe borne water on camp results in trucks transporting water for sale. A bucket of water (8 liters) is sold for 1 cedi while pure drinking water (400 ml) is obtained at the price 50 pesewas. Those who cannot afford to buy a bucket of water go without bathing for days. sometimes water become scarce and the price obviously double.
Sanitation
The sanitation condition is very bad and yet to be addressed by relevant agencies. Drainages are clogged, garbage not properly disposed off causing mosquitoes and flies all over. This condition poses a serious health hazard to the refugee community.

Sheltering
It is unfortunate and strange to note that refugees at the Buduburam Refugee Camp provide shelter for themselves. Refugee at present are leasing a parcel of land from their Ghanian Landlord at a very high price. To lease a parcel for single room cost the amount of 225.246 cedi, say you are building a two bed room tent with a kitchen and sitting place, 375.315 cedi is paid excluding the real cost of building. If the lease agreement expires, one is made to either turn the house over to the Landlord or paid an exorbitant rental fees on a monthly basis. one has to be mindful in leasing a parcel of land because of dispute between the two chiefs in and around the camp. The two opposing chiefs make claims and counter claims to control lands in and around the camp.
The month of February, 2009 recorded a fight between the two chiefs. The refugees ran amok to escape the advancing supporters of the chiefs who were armed with machetes and single barrel guns. this situation poses a serious threat to refugees.

Feeding
There is no relief assistance program for the refugees. One wonders how are they surviving? A bulk of the refugee populace largely survives at the altruistic whim of their relations and friends abroad. There are times when such assistance stalls for months. In this instance, the camp becomes a jungle where only the fittest survives. Prostitution and criminal activities become the last hope for others.

UNHCR presence on camp
Considering the numerous hardships mentioned, the struggling inhabitants of the camp
are compelled to question the presence of the arm of UN responsible for refugees, UNHCR following the election of 1997, the UNHCR withdrew from the camp with the thought that real peace has returned and Liberians would have been repatriated. In 2010, the UNHCR resurfaced on camp by hosting its flag for the first time since the camp was established in 1990. most regrettably, Liberian refugees had been appealing to UNHCR to be given refugee status and were always between the offices of the Ghanian Refugee Board and the UNHCR. The Ghanian Refugee Board always told the refugees that the UNHCR must play their part while UNHCR on the other hand said the ball was in the court of the Ghanian Government, so no one knew what was happening?

Not until the end of 2010, both the UNHCR and the Government conducted a joint registration. This exercise raised the hope of many of getting the long awaited refugee status. Sadly enough, after the exercise, UNHCR provided an identity card to all refugees stating frankly that the card is in no way a refugee status or entitled the refugees to any benefits from the UNHCR. What a discouraging thing!
So the presence of UNHCR has not been felt by most refugees, they are not addressing the most cardinal issues affecting the refugees. In the face of tough economic conditions prevalent in Ghana today and felt by the working class of this country, UNHCR authorities on camp has failed to address the life saving issues of water, feeding, shelter, sanitation, thus leaving the solutions to these problems to the poor, struggling, and jobless refugees.
Therefore we will highly appreciate any intervention that will bring positive relief to the suffering refugee populace.

[barlee2005]

I am fine and you? Nice to meet you i am Alexander Liberian refugee here in Ghana West Africa.

[allrock123]

Alexander please chose the "reply" option under the person you wish to direct your responce too. try and keep things simple, But be yourself, read sentence structure and ask will others understand, You do not have fully to re-introduce yourself to each person as they have allready read your introduction , When speaking about costs if posable convert
the value to our currency, If anyone has any questions feel free to ask.

[transcend]

Dear Alexander: I really enjoyed meeting you. It was exciting for me to find out about you. I would appreciate any referral or advice you can give me.
There is not much I can do from here. I can encourage people reading this to add links to organizations like the one campaign http://www.one.org/us/
and government officials and to contact them on your behalf. I am sure the people here are interested in learning more about you and your people.


Your countries flag reminds me of the Montana state seal, where I live at the moment.

Best of luck to you.