Lebanese In Liberian Bash Ghanaian Ambassador

The World Lebanese Union of Liberia (WLCU) has sharply reacted to a recent statement made by the Ghanaian Ambassador, Francis Amanfoh and termed his statement as "scathing and abusive" to the Lebanese nationals residing in Liberia.

The Ghanaian Ambassador this week accused Lebanese businessmen operating in the country of taking control of Liberia's economy and thereby preventing other foreign nationals from competing with them.

Ambassador Amanfoh further said "I've worked in Lebanon as a United Nations Peace Keeper; there are no resources there, that's why they come to West Africa and exploit our resources to build their country."

The Ghanaian Ambassador who is also a Major General in the military made the statement at a news conference when he was reacting to a media report, which indicated that he (Amanfoh) was involved in bringing "con artists" to Liberia to dupe the country and other nationals residing in the country.

Ambassador Amanfoh further stated that he is in Liberia as a representative of his country to strengthen the long-standing relations existing between Liberia and Ghana, and as such, it is not possible for him to join criminals or bring in criminals to dupe Liberians.

But in its reaction on Wednesday, the WLCU expressed dismay over the Ambassador's statement in which he accused Lebanese nationals of exploiting Liberia's economy and alleging them to be vicious and crookish.

The head of the WLCU, Tony Hage, in a press statement pointed out that the Lebanese Cultural Union of Liberia finds these 'Ill-advised' comments of Ambassador Francis Amanfoh to be disruptive of both harmonious relationship currently existing between the great people and Government of Liberia and the Lebanese nationals residing in Liberia in pursuit of lawful business enterprises.

According to him, in pursuit of lawful business enterprises, Ambassador Amanfoh's statement contravenes the cordial relationship that had existed for decades between the people of Lebanon and the people of Liberia.

"We, the Lebanese have hosted Ghanaians in peacekeeping assignments and other avenues of activities in our country with the most harmonious and cooperative fashion. In these circumstances, we find it difficult to understand the raconteur motivating such expression against our nationals," he stated.

Speaking further, the WLCU boss said, "it is our contention that in the event of any expression or act of the Lebanese nationals, which the Ambassador deems inappropriate, he should immediately apprise the Ambassador of Lebanon or the proper Liberian functionary of such act or expression."

The Lebanese businessman urged the Ghanaian Ambassador to let the harmonious relationship currently existing between Ghanaians and Lebanese in their countries perpetuate and to remain on even keen.