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One dead in clashes at Buduburam Camp

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One person has been confirmed dead in violent disturbances that broke out Sunday morning at the Buduburam camp for refugees. An unspecified number of people were injured in the incident as the police fired tear gas and gunshots to control angry stone-throwing residents. The residents were swearing in new leaders without the approval of the authorities. According to one eyewitness, the police surrounded the hall where the ceremony was scheduled to take place at 0900 hrs GMT and arrested two persons including the new leader who was about to be sworn-in. "As the police drove off with the two, some residents pelted the convoy and the police responded with gunshots and tear gas", the eyewitness said. The Police spokesperson however tells CNN they were called in to quell disturbances between two rival factions both claiming to be the legitimate leaders. According to the Police spokesperson, Kwesi Ofori one of the factions was trying to install a new leader in place of the existing leadership. He said 30 people were arrested but that calm has since been restored. Eyewitness accounts however say as many as 54 were arrested in the incident. The Buduburam Refugee Camp has been home to refugees who fled the civil war in Liberia over two decades ago. The camp currently hosts between 15,000 and 18,000 refugees from Liberia and Sierra Leone as well as nationals from other West African countries many of whom have settled in to what has now become a town. Story by Israel Laryea/Joy News/Ghana

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DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.