Since mid-August 2025, a total of 172 Ivorian nationals have crossed into Ghana, seeking safety amid fears of unrest in Côte d’Ivoire ahead of the country’s presidential elections scheduled for October.
The refugees, comprising men, women, and children, are currently being hosted at the Ampain Refugee Camp in the Ellembelle District of the Western Region, Ghana’s primary facility for managing displaced persons from neighboring countries.
Rising Tensions in Côte d’Ivoire
Reports from across the border indicate that rising political tensions, fueled by disputes over election preparations and party rivalries, have created uncertainty and fear in several Ivorian communities. Many residents near the Ghanaian border reportedly fled to avoid possible violence or instability.
Support and Humanitarian Response
Officials from the Ghana Refugee Board (GRB), in collaboration with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), have moved swiftly to provide emergency assistance, including food, shelter, and medical care.
“Ghana remains committed to protecting our neighbors in times of need,” a GRB representative said, emphasizing that the country has a long history of offering asylum during regional crises.
Lessons from the Past
This is not the first time Ghana has received Ivorian asylum seekers. In 2010–2011, during Côte d’Ivoire’s post-election violence, thousands of refugees sought safety in Ghana, with many settling in the same Ampain camp.
Local leaders and humanitarian groups are now calling for increased support to manage the new influx, citing the need for adequate funding, security, and psychosocial support services for the displaced individuals.
Looking Ahead
With Côte d’Ivoire’s elections just weeks away, regional leaders are urging calm and dialogue to prevent further displacement or violence. Meanwhile, Ghanaian authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, ensuring that those who have crossed the border receive the protection and dignity they deserve.