The Kasoa police have arrested a Liberian refugee, James Kolley alleged to be the mastermind of a foiled demonstration by refugees at Gomoa Buduburam. The police upon a tip off stopped the planned demonstration, which was intended to protest calls for the relocation of the refugees from Buduburam for security reasons.
The refugees, mostly Liberians have been at the Gomoa Buduburam camp for nearly 13 years. The recent influx of Ivorians fleeing the fighting in their country has raised strong suspicions of the possible presence of ex-combatants.
This has resulted in suggestions that the refugees should be relocated to avert any possible security threats. Leading the call for the relocation of the refugees is the General Officer Commanding- Southern command of the Ghana Armed Forces, Brigadier J. B. Danquah.
A press conference called by the refugee’s Welfare Committee to react to the suggestion was called off following the arrest of James Kolley, the brain behind a demonstration allegedly planned to take place after the press conference.
DSP Peter Diawuo, Kasoa District Police Commander told journalists that Kolley was arrested because he did not give the police any prior notice on the demonstration.
Speaking to Joy FM however, Kolley denied ever planning and demonstration and also denied knowledge of a planned demonstration.
The refugees have appealed to President Kufuor to turn down the suggestion for relocation since they have proved to be law abiding for almost thirteen years.
