Statement On Recent Developments In Cote D’ivoire

The Government of Ghana expresses grave concern over recent developments in neighbouring Cote d’Ivoire, namely multiple attacks on Police Stations and Gendarmerie barracks in Abidjan and Noe on the Ivorian side of the Elubo border reportedly by armed assailants. These developments resulted in the closure on Friday 21st September 2012 of the land, air and sea borders with Ghana. We are however happy to note that after observing cross border movements between two countries, H.E. President Alassane Quattara has ordered the re-opening of the air border.

The Government of Ghana fully acknowledges the challenges that these reported incidents pose to the peace and security not only to Cote d’Ivoire but of Ghana as well.

Given our shared commitment to peace and security consistently stated by the Presidents of our two countries, Ghana is particularly concerned by the repeated claims that the incursions are being initiated from Ghana. The Government of Ghana remains determined and resolute the two countries jointly investigate these occurrences to our mutual benefit in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding that exists between the security services of our two countries and in consonance with our shared responsibility to safeguard peace.

We wish to repeat re-assurances given to the Government and people of Cote d’Ivoire in particular, and the international community that Ghana will continue to abide by international law. We wish to emphasise that Ghana will not allow the hospitality we offer to refugees from Cote d’Ivoire to be construed as providing an opportunity for planning and executing any action to undermine the sovereignty, peace and reconciliation efforts being undertaken by the Ivorian Government under the committed leadership of President Alassane Quattara.

The Government of Ghana wishes to restate its insistence that refugees and asylum seekers strictly adhere to, and respect the laws of Ghana as well as international regulations and conventions especially the Tripartite Agreement between Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana and UNHCR.

The Government of Ghana wishes to re-affirm the sustained disposition of our security agencies to collaborate and cooperate fully with their Ivorian counterparts and to intensify cooperation through dialogue and effective sharing of information conducive to the enforcement of domestic and international laws.

ISSUED BY THE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND REGIONAL INTEGRATION.