172 Ivorians Seek Asylum in Ghana

A total of 172 Ivorians have fled into Ghana over the past two weeks to seek asylum, fearing possible unrest ahead of Côte d’Ivoire’s presidential elections in October.

The asylum seekers are currently housed at the Ampain Refugee Camp in the Ellembelle District of the Western Region.

According to the Executive Secretary of the Ghana Refugee Board, Tetteh Padi, as read by Sixscribes on DailyGraphics site, the refugees say they left their country due to rising political tension and fears that violence could break out. He explained that they have been registered as asylum seekers and provided with shelter and other basic needs, but food support has not yet been given.

Mr. Padi noted that while the arrivals have increased over the past week, the board hopes the numbers do not escalate. He expressed optimism that Côte d’Ivoire’s elections will be peaceful, which would allow the refugees to return home.

He also mentioned that before the Ivorians arrived, the Ampain Camp had been receiving small numbers of Sudanese refugees on a weekly basis.

Côte d’Ivoire is facing political uncertainty after President Alassane Ouattara announced plans to run for a fourth term. His decision has sparked anger among voters and opposition groups, raising fears of instability in a country still scarred by the post-election violence of 2011 that claimed about 3,000 lives.