Ghana is currently hosting 427 Ivorians who have formally sought asylum ahead of Côte d’Ivoire’s presidential election scheduled for Saturday, October 25, 2025.
The figure was confirmed by the Executive Secretary of the Ghana Refugee Board, Nana Asare Bediako, during a visit to the Elubo border and refugee camps in the Nzema area with officials from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). The visit followed earlier media reports suggesting a larger influx of Ivorians into Ghana amid election tensions.
Addressing the media, Nana Asare Bediako clarified that “previous reports that over 1,500 Ivorians are seeking asylum in Ghana are inaccurate.
The confirmed number, as of now, is 427 individuals registered at the Ampain refugee camp.” He explained that the figure was obtained through on-site registration and interviews with asylum seekers.
He also dismissed claims that Côte d’Ivoire had closed its border, emphasizing that Ghana remains fully prepared for any potential emergency.
“Ghana has contingency plans in place to address any potential instability. We are ready to ensure the safety of the approximately 120,000 Ghanaians in Côte d’Ivoire and, if necessary, execute an evacuation,” he stated.
The team later visited the Ampain refugee camp in the Ellembelle District, where they interacted with the asylum seekers and assured them of continued support.
