A group of 172 Ivorians has crossed into Ghana over the past two weeks to seek asylum, citing fears of potential violence ahead of their country’s presidential election in October.
The individuals, who are being housed at the Ampain Refugee Camp in the Western Region, are preemptively fleeing anticipated political disturbances.
Tetteh Padi, Executive Secretary of the Ghana Refugee Board, confirmed the arrivals. He stated that the asylum seekers registered with the board and have been provided with shelter and other basic necessities at the camp. However, food provisions are not currently being supplied.
Mr. Padi expressed hope that the number of refugees would not increase and that the October election would be peaceful, allowing for their eventual return to Côte d’Ivoire.
The Ampain camp already hosts a number of Sudanese refugees who arrive on a weekly basis, making this a ongoing operation for the Ghanaian authorities.
The upcoming Ivorian election is a significant test for the country’s stability. President Alassane Ouattara’s decision to run for a fourth term has sparked anger among voters and opposition candidates, some of whom have been barred from running. This has raised concerns of a return to the political violence that plagued the country over a decade ago.
