Hot SourceGhana has become a temporary refuge for 172 Ivorians who have fled rising political tension in their country ahead of Côte d’Ivoire’s presidential election set for October.
The asylum seekers, who crossed the border in the past two weeks, are being accommodated at the Ampain Refugee Camp in the Ellembelle District of the Western Region, the Ghana Refugee Board confirmed.
According to the Board’s Executive Secretary, Tetteh Padi, the Ivorians expressed fear of possible unrest tied to the upcoming polls. “We have some Ivorians who have come into the country to seek asylum based on the fact that they predict or believe there is tension leading up to the presidential election,” he said.
Padi explained that while the refugees had been registered and given shelter, food supplies were yet to be distributed. He also noted that the number of arrivals had increased last week compared to earlier in the month.
The development comes in the wake of President Alassane Ouattara’s decision to contest a fourth term in office, a move that has triggered opposition resistance and renewed concerns over instability. Côte d’Ivoire’s disputed 2010 election sparked a civil conflict that claimed about 3,000 lives.
The Refugee Board expressed optimism that the current elections would be conducted peacefully, allowing the asylum seekers to eventually return home. The Ampain camp also hosts a smaller group of Sudanese refugees who arrive periodically.
The post 172 Ivorians flee to Ghana ahead of October polls appeared first on The Herald ghana.
