Ghanaian church seeks funding to help Liberian refugees

Translate Page

Hundreds of undocumented Liberian refugees in Ghana have appealed to the Buduburam United Methodist Church in Ghana to assist them in repatriating to Liberia. The group approached the church because of the imminent security threat they face because of the upcoming general elections in Ghana.

According to the Rev. James Kaifunbah, Buduburam’s pastor, the group made the appeal to the church because of its initial plans to repatriate undocumented Liberians from the Liberian refugee camp in Ghana. He said this group of Liberians missed out on the United Nations 2010 Cessation Clause on Refugees Status.

“The UN gave us three options at the time; voluntary repatriation, local integration, or exemption from the first two options,” he explained. “Some of them were far from the camp, while others applications were denied by the UN.”

Because of the upcoming election in Ghana, Kaifunbah said the resident status of all Liberians still living on the camp and in other parts of Ghana is being verified by security personnel. “I am not sure what the government of Ghana or the security of Ghana will do to these Liberians as a result of being here without proper documents,” he added. The lack of official documents in Ghana made many Liberians, including some of his church members, vulnerable to arrest.

Asked if he was ready to return to Liberia, Joseph Torh, a Liberian refugee who has been in Ghana since 1990, simply said, “I want to go back home.”

Torh, a founding member of the Buduburam United Methodist Church, said when Bishop John Innis of the Liberia Conference visited the camp and discussed plans to seek help to get them out of the camp, many Liberians were happy. “Even those who are not United Methodists were now looking up to the church for this repatriation effort, but their hope is now dwindling,” he said.

When the first Liberian civil war (1989-1997) disrupted the country, many Liberians fled to countries within the West African sub-region, leaving all their belongings behind except their religion and denomination. Buduburam United Methodist was established in 1993 to serve and minister to the needs of the many Liberians, especially United Methodists. The church was greatly supported by the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries, but that support stopped when the last two missionaries left in 2008.

Torh was denied during the Cessation Clause application period. He and other Liberians are now looking to The United Methodist Church to help repatriate them to Liberia. “We have hope in the ability of the UMC to get us out of this refugees camp in Ghana,” he said.

*Swen is editor and publisher of West African Writers, an online publication about United Methodist happenings in West Africa and assists the denomination in Liberia with coverage for United Methodist Communications.

News media contact: Vicki Brown, [email protected] or 615-742-5470.


Like what you're reading? Support the ministry of UM News! Your support ensures the latest denominational news, dynamic stories and informative articles will continue to connect our global community. Make a tax-deductible donation at ResourceUMC.org/GiveUMCom.

Sign up for our newsletter!

UMNEWS-SUBSCRIPTION
Bishops
Children from the Congo lead the recession of bishops from the Memorial du Centenaire Cathedral in Lubumbashi, Congo, following the opening worship service for the Africa Colleges of Bishops retreat that took place Sept. 2-7. Over 3,000 people attended the service where Council of Bishops president Thomas J Bickerton preached about the power of love in troubling times. Photo by Eveline Chikwanah, UM News.

African bishops tackle regionalization

Conversations at a recent gathering of episcopal leaders in Africa focused on regionalization, possible new episcopal areas and the definition of Christian marriage.
Theology and Education
Members of the Mutare District’s women’s organization celebrate the group’s unwavering commitment to education during their district conference at Hilltop United Methodist Church in Mutare, Zimbabwe. Representatives from urban and rural circuits highlighted their accomplishments in establishing scholarship programs and providing educational opportunities to underprivileged children. Photo by Priscilla Muzerengwa, UM News.

Empowering marginalized children through education

Zimbabwe women’s group aims to transform lives, communities through scholarship program.
Young People
West Angola Conference youth pose for a photo during a weeklong Juventude Metodista camp in Lubango, Angola. The gathering, the largest in the group’s history, featured morning devotions, team-building exercises and a gospel concert. Photo courtesy of Juventude Metodista.

West Angola camp helps youth shine

Hundreds of young people gather for a week of fun and activities designed for their spiritual growth.

United Methodist Communications is an agency of The United Methodist Church

©2023 United Methodist Communications. All Rights Reserved