Leroy Massaquoi Junior, aged 5 years old, is stranded in Ghana
due to red tape. The High Commission in Ghana are demanding DNA
blood tests to prove parentage. This procedure could delay the family
reunion by several months. His father has pleaded with officials
to allow his son to join the family in Crumpsall, Manchester: "I
have consented to the blood tests because I’ve got nothing
to hide. I thought I was leaving my son for a week, maybe two. I
can’t express adequately the pain and anguish I am feeling".
Leroy Massaquoi Senior is originally from Liberia. He is married
to Michele and is settled here in the UK. The family have a young
child. From his previous relationship, he has a son who was being
cared for by his mother, Ramona. However she sadly passed away in
August 2000.
Mr Massaquoi travelled to Liberia on 16 November 2000, having taken
two weeks leave from his employment, to arrange for the travel documents
and entry clearance for his son. His flight to Liberia was via Ghana,
where he intended applying at the British High Commission.
Despite desperate pleas to allow his son entry, embassy officials
refused on the grounds that they were not authorised to issue settlement
visas for someone from Liberia. Mr Massaquoi pleaded with the airline
authorities, but they refused to carry the 5 year old. In such desperate
circumstances, he was forced to leave his son in the care of a "friend
of a friend".
The High Commission in Ghana later agreed to process the application,
and all the necessary documents were sent to Accra by courier on
14 December. On 26 February, Mr Massaquoi was informed that DNA
blood tests would be required. A spokesperson for the Campaign said:
"The British High Commission are moving the goalposts - why
didn’t they ask for the blood tests at the outset? The delay
is totally unreasonable. Surely the welfare of the child is of utmost
concern, and his health is suffering as a result of this separation
from his family. The Home Office should allow Leroy Junior to join
his family pending the DNA procedures".
Article 10.1 on the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child state
that applications by a child or his/her parent for family reunion
"shall be dealt with by State Parties in a positive, humane and
expeditious manner".
For further information, please contact NCADC Manchester office.
