Some 5,000 people try to leave Liberia on Ghanaian navy ship

MONROVIA (AFP) Jun 19, 2003
Some 5,000 Ghanaians and Liberians have been trying to get on board a Ghanaian navy ship sent by Accra to evacuate its nationals from war-torn Liberia, informed sources told AFP Thursday.

On Thursday, thousands of people awaited patiently with their luggage to get aboard.

The ship was supposed to sail on Wednesday but failed to do so as crowds exceeding the ship's capacity had gathered at the port to try to embark.

Pro-government militiamen tried to maintain order at the port, witnesses said, adding that the Ghanaian crew had to use a fire hose to control the crowd.

Those trying to leave included Ghanaian nationals, some with their Liberian spouses, and Liberians.

Ghana has already evacuated 262 nationals from war-wracked Liberia by air and more than 1,300 others on another navy vessel.

WAR.WIRE