Diaspora News of Monday, 7 March 2005

Source: The NEWS (Monrovia)

Keep Out of Liberian Politics - Ambassador Awua Warns Ghanaians

Monrovia -- Ghanaian Ambassador in Liberia, Kwame Amoa-Awua has warned Ghanaians in the country who are not naturalized citizens of Liberia to keep out of Liberian politics.

He said as Liberia gets prepared for the ensuing elections, it is important that Ghanaians in the country do not partake in the elections, as doing so will not be in the best interest of that person.

Although the Ghanaian Ambassador did not say that some Ghanaian Nationals in the country were engaged in Liberian politics, but political pundits are of the belief that his warning goes to the Liberian Agricultural Company (LAC) General Manager, George Quateng Mensah, who has been accused in recent times for meddling into Liberian politics.

Amb. Awua made the statement Sunday at the end of a one-day sporting festival in commemoration of Ghana's 48th Independence Day celebration in Monrovia.

He also urged them to stay within the laws of Liberia so that they could live in the country peacefully.

The Ghanaian Ambassador reasoned that it would not look good for a Ghanaian in the country to be arrested for not abiding by the laws of Liberia, thus creating an embarrassing situation for the Ghanaian Embassy.

He admonished them that, as they go through the celebration of their country's 48th independence, they should not forget to help the poor who are in need of assistance in Liberia.

At the end of the sporting activity, Eurest Support Service (ESS) of UNMIL was awarded the first place trophy in football after defeating their Ghanaian counterpart 5-4 in post match penalty. The Ghanaians walked away with the Volleyball trophy after defeating their Pakistani counterparts 2-1 set.

The one-day sporting activities were graced by foreign dignitaries including Nigerian Ambassador in Liberia, World Health Organization (WHO) Country Representative in Liberia and an array of Ghanaian nationals in Liberia.

Ghana gained its independence March 6, 1957 from Great Britain.