427 Ivorians Apply for Refugee Status in Ghana – Ghana Refugee Board

Ghana has recorded a new wave of asylum seekers from Côte d’Ivoire, with 427 Ivorians formally applying for refugee status in the country, according to the Ghana Refugee Board (GRB). The disclosure was made by the Executive Secretary of the Board, Nana Asare Bediako, during an official visit to the Elubo border in the Western Region, where he was joined by representatives from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

Speaking after the visit, Nana Asare Bediako explained that the recent influx of Ivorian nationals followed political and security tensions in parts of Côte d’Ivoire. The applicants, he said, have been received in line with Ghana’s humanitarian obligations and are currently undergoing screening and documentation procedures in collaboration with the UNHCR.

He noted that most of the asylum seekers entered Ghana through the Elubo and Sampa borders, two key crossing points along the western frontier. “We have registered 427 Ivorian nationals who have applied for refugee status since early October. The process of verification and assessment is ongoing, and we are working closely with our international partners to ensure their safety and welfare,” Bediako stated.

According to him, the Ghana Refugee Board is prioritizing humanitarian response and ensuring that all asylum seekers receive basic support, including shelter, healthcare, and food assistance. The Board is also coordinating with local authorities and security agencies to maintain peace and order in host communities.

The Executive Secretary commended the cooperation of the Ghana Immigration Service, the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), and the Ghana Health Service for their swift response to the growing humanitarian situation. “Ghana has always maintained an open-door policy towards people fleeing persecution and violence. Our mandate is to protect and support them while ensuring national security remains intact,” he said.

The visit by the UNHCR delegation, led by Regional Representative Esther Kiragu, focused on assessing the living conditions of asylum seekers in temporary camps across the Nzema enclave. The team inspected facilities at the Egyeikrom Refugee Camp and other community reception centers, where discussions centered on improving sanitation, access to education, and psychosocial support for affected families.

Ms. Kiragu praised Ghana for its longstanding reputation as a safe haven for refugees across West Africa, emphasizing that the UNHCR remains committed to providing technical and logistical support to enhance Ghana’s refugee management systems. “Ghana continues to demonstrate exemplary leadership in the protection of refugees. The collaboration between the Refugee Board, government agencies, and host communities is commendable,” she noted.

This latest development brings renewed attention to the humanitarian challenges facing West Africa amid political instability, economic hardship, and cross-border migration. Côte d’Ivoire, which has experienced intermittent unrest since the post-election crisis of 2010–2011, continues to see occasional displacement of civilians due to political and ethnic tensions.

Local authorities in the Western and Bono Regions have also been urged to work closely with national agencies to manage the growing number of asylum seekers and prevent strain on local resources. The Ghana Refugee Board has assured that it will continue to monitor the situation closely and respond appropriately in line with Ghana’s Refugee Law (PNDCL 305D) and international conventions.

Humanitarian experts have called for increased regional dialogue between Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire to address the underlying causes of migration and ensure sustainable peace in border communities. Analysts also warn that the situation could worsen if political tensions in Abidjan persist.

As of 2024, Ghana hosted more than 13,000 refugees and asylum seekers from 27 countries, including Togo, Sudan, Cameroon, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The new applications from Ivorian nationals, therefore, add to an already significant refugee population that the Ghana Refugee Board and its partners manage with limited resources.

Civil society groups have since appealed for increased international funding to support Ghana’s refugee response programs, particularly in shelter expansion, medical care, and education for children in camps. Many of the new arrivals, according to local volunteers, include women and children who fled with little or no belongings.

One of the asylum seekers, a 34-year-old teacher identified only as Koffi, told local media that he fled his town near Bouaké due to escalating political violence and fears for his family’s safety. “We didn’t plan to leave, but when things got worse, Ghana was the only safe place we could reach. The people here have been kind to us,” he said.

The Ghana Refugee Board reiterated its commitment to work with the UNHCR, international donors, and the Ministry of the Interior to ensure all asylum seekers receive proper humanitarian assistance while maintaining security cooperation between Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire.

The situation remains fluid, with officials continuing to monitor the western border for any further influxes. Ghana’s open-door policy and emphasis on humanitarian diplomacy continue to reinforce its role as a regional leader in refugee protection and crisis response.

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