Ghanaian authorities have confirmed that 186 Ivorians have crossed into the country in the past two weeks, citing growing political tensions in Côte d’Ivoire ahead of the October presidential election.
According to the Ghana Refugee Board (GRB), most of the new arrivals are women and children who said they fled to avoid potential violence linked to the polls. They are now being hosted at the Ampain Refugee Camp in the Ellembelle District of Ghana’s Western Region.
The exodus follows President Alassane Ouattara’s controversial decision to seek a fourth term in office. Opponents argue that the move violates democratic principles, even though a 2016 constitutional change reset presidential term limits. In recent weeks, thousands of Ivorians have protested the exclusion of key opposition figures from the ballot, including a major challenger disqualified over dual nationality issues.
GRB Executive Secretary Tetteh Padi said the situation remains under control:
“So far, we have received 186 asylum seekers, mostly women and children. They told us they left because of the rising tension ahead of elections and wanted to seek safety before it is too late.”
He explained that all arrivals undergo security and health screening before being registered and admitted into the camp. Ghana’s refugee agency says it has contingency plans in place, working with government bodies, UN agencies, and international NGOs, should numbers rise further.
The Ampain camp, established in 2011 during Côte d’Ivoire’s post-election crisis, has a history of sheltering Ivorians escaping political instability. Authorities say they are prepared to host more refugees if the situation across the border worsens.