Facing Power and Corruption

As we were led into the grand office of Buduburam’s second in command, the man sitting behind the desk dug in his heels. Immediately on edge, the Chairman exuded power and arrogance, guarding himself against the threat posed by our international status by setting up an immediate wall. He interrogated us extensively regarding our purpose on the camp, before demanding what brought us to his office.

After several tense moments of intimidation, we barely slid under the defensive radar and were granted the opportunity to commence an interview. We did not discuss the looming issue of corruption and identity theft.

Following a massive uprising led by female refugees seeking increased repatriation grants, the Chairman described how he refused to support the protesters and accordingly faced mounting opposition from the refugees.

In a jarring explosion of tension, the Chairman interrupted his explanation of the circumstances surrounding death threats that ran him off the premises last February to aggressively question us as to whether we had an appointment.

Throughout the course of the interview, he Chairman seemed to relax slightly, perhaps flattered by my references to his status as one of the most powerful men on campus. One thing is quite clear. This man represents himself and/or the Ghanaians he works for, not the refugees. And in the eyes of the refugees he is the definition of a backstabber. I can see why he watches his own back so carefully.