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Regional News of Monday, 10 November 2014

Source: tv3network.com

Stop stigmatizing us – Liberian refugees tell Ghanaians

Liberian remnants at the Buduburam Camp in the Central Region have expressed worry about the excessive stigmatisation they are subjected to by Ghanaians in the wake of the deadly Ebola virus.

Most of the former refugees TV3’s Sandra Afenu spoke to pointed out that the situation is becoming unbearable as it is affecting their social life in Ghana.

What makes it worse for them, they claim, is that they cannot go back to Liberia as travels seem to have grounded to a halt.

“Can you imagine how the Ebola situation is treating us?” wondered a nursing mother.

She revealed to our reporter that one lady by name Theresa was beaten mercilessly by an unidentified group of men for suspecting her of carrying Ebola.

Sandra Afenu interviewed them on Impact on TV3’s New Day on Monday, November 10.

“Now, when you go to the market and start speaking Liberian English, they say you carry Ebola,” said the nursing mother, who adds that her business has come to a standstill since she cannot commute to Monrovia as a result of the situation.

The deadly Ebola virus has claimed close to 5,000 lives since its outbreak in West Africa in March.

It broke out in Guinea, but Liberia has been the hardest hit with Sierra Leone also suffering a toll.

Ghana’s President, John Dramani Mahama, earlier this year called for care for these three countries, admonishing other countries not to ostracise them.

“I believe by the grace of God we are managing,” a resident in the Buduburam Camp said.

She said her business partner in Kumasi, Mr Acheampong, seem no more interested in doing business with her since the outbreak of the disease.

Another, a man in his late 20s, revealed that he had to leave his job at A & C Shopping Mall in order to escape the stigma he was subjected to.

He said Ghanaian friends of five years have stopped visiting him since the news of Ebola broke in Ghana.