Ghana admits Liberian refugee vessel
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Takoradi, Ghana (Reuter) - Ghana relented yesterday and said that an old freighter packed with Liberian war refugees would be allowed to dock after earlier blocking it from the port.
But in Sierra Leone up to 1,500 refugees on board a fishing boat, the Victory Reefer, which fled Liberia were ordered out of Freetown harbour.
The freighter Bulk Challenge, which has been at sea for a week with nearly 4,000 Liberians on board, was heading back to the Ghanaian port of Takoradi. Earlier yesterday, Ghanaian authorities used floating cranes to prevent the freighter docking.
The cranes were moved into the path of the vessel shortly after aid workers said shooting had been heard and that it appeared desperate refugees had overwhelmed the captain and forced him to try to dock at Takoradi.
"The vessel is running out of fuel so on humanitarian grounds they are bringing it back to refuel and to give medical assistance to passengers," one port official said. Witnesses said naval units were erecting tents in readiness, but it was not clear if Ghana would enforce its decision that only non-Liberians would be allowed to disembark.
Aid workers estimated that 20,000 Liberians fleeing war could now be at sea seeking sanctuary.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments