A total of 172 Ivorians have sought asylum in Ghana. The asylum seekers, made up of men, women, and children, are reported to have crossed into Ghana over the past few weeks amid rising political and security tensions in parts of Côte d’Ivoire.
Many of the Ivorians are believed to have fled from border communities in western Côte d’Ivoire seeking asylum in Ghana, citing possible disturbances in the run-up to the Côte d’Ivoire presidential elections in October this year.
They are currently being housed at the Ampain Refugee Camp in the Ellembelle District of the Western Region.
The Executive Secretary of the Ghana Refugee Board, Tetteh Padi, confirmed the development, noting that Ghana remains committed to upholding international humanitarian obligations.
In an interview with the Daily Graphic, he said “We have some Ivorian’s who have come into the country to seek asylum based on the fact that they predict or believe that there is a bit of tension leading up to the presidential election.
“They think that it could get worse, so they have come into the country to seek asylum.”
The refugees have been temporarily accommodated in host communities and reception centres while discussions continue on long-term support.
Humanitarian agencies, including the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), are expected to assist in areas such as shelter, food, health care, and education.
In May this year, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, Minister for the Interior, handed over indefinite residence permits to about 500 Ivorian refugees residing in Ghana.
The ceremony, attended by the Ivorian Ambassador to Ghana, representatives from the UNHCR, Ghana Refugee Board, and the Ghana Immigration Service, marked a significant milestone in the lives of the refugees.
Muntaka, while handing over the permits, cautioned the refugees that the permit is revocable and emphasised the importance of adhering to the laws and regulations of Ghana.
He noted that the issuance of the permits is a testament to Ghana’s commitment to providing a haven for refugees and asylum seekers.
The Ivorian Ambassador to Ghana, Assiélou Félix Tanon, expressed his country’s gratitude to the government and people of Ghana for the warm hospitality and support extended to Ivorian refugees.
Representatives from the UNHCR, the Ghana Refugee Board, and the Ghana Immigration Service also commended the Government for its efforts in providing a haven for refugees and asylum seekers.
Ghana has previously hosted Ivorian refugees, particularly during the 2010–2011 post-election crisis in Côte d’Ivoire, when thousands fled violence and sought safety across the border.
Presidential elections in the Ivory Coast are scheduled for October 12, 2025. Incumbent President Alassane Ouattara who has been in office since 2010.
As of now, the political climate remains tense, with fears that the 2025 election could further erode democratic norms and risk instability, particularly given the country’s history of election-related conflict, including the 2010–2011 civil war triggered by a disputed vote.
The outcome may significantly influence whether the Ivory Coast continues on a path of economic progress or slides toward authoritarian governance.
