More than 1,500 Ivorians have allegedly entered Ghana to seek refuge from anticipated unrest ahead of on October 25, 2025.

As a result, Western Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson, has urged security personnel stationed at the Elubo border to maintain "extra vigilance" amidst the ongoing influx of Ivorian nationals..

According to a citinewsroom.com report on October 19, 2025, Mr Nelson said, "the situation is still very fluid. And so, let’s keep our eyes on the inflows so that we can check the security side of things, so we don’t have any surprises any day in the future."

"The elections are coming on in October, as you know, and so as we approach the day, I believe that a lot more of them will come. So put yourself in readiness to receive them, and then, of course, with your eyes wide open, so we don’t get any criminals slipping through the system to pose a challenge to us as far as our security is concerned."

While acknowledging the minister's concern, Deputy Commissioner of Immigration (DCI) Joshua Krakue of the Elubo Command noted it challenging to distinguish between genuine asylum seekers and regular travelers because they all enter as "normal travelers" seeking to secure a safe haven .

“They end up maybe getting to the refugee camp to seek asylum. So, we have also noticed that the numbers are going up," DCI Krakue said.

Months ago, Minister for Interior, Muntaka Mubarak, handed over indefinite residence permits to about 500 Ivorian refugees living in Ghana.

The ceremony held on Wednesday was attended by the Ivorian Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Assiélou Félix Tanon, representatives from UNHCR, the Ghana Refugee Board, and the Ghana Immigration Service.

While presenting the permits, the Interior Minister reminded the beneficiaries that these are revocable and encouraged them to always abide by the laws of Ghana.

This gesture reflects Ghana’s strong commitment to protecting and supporting refugees and asylum seekers.

H.E. Assiélou Félix Tanon expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Government and people of Ghana for the hospitality and support shown to Ivorian nationals over the years.

Ghana continues to open its arms to other Africans who employ the legal channels to make their way to the country.

On Tuesday, November 19, 2024, 524 members of the African diaspora were officially granted Ghanaian citizenship in a landmark ceremony at the Accra International Conference Centre.

This occasion, the third under the administration of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, celebrated the strengthening of ties between Ghana and its diaspora community, reaffirming the nation’s commitment to reconnecting with its global African family.

Addressing the new citizens, the former President Akufo-Addo spoke with deep emotion about the historical and cultural significance of the day.

“Your ancestors left these shores under tragic and inhumane circumstances. Today, we reclaim that connection by welcoming you as part of our Ghanaian family,” he declared.

He further reminded the recipients that Ghanaian citizenship is more than a legal status.

“Being Ghanaian is about embracing values such as respect, equity, and peace. These principles are at the heart of our identity, and we invite you to embody them as you integrate into our society,” he added.

Reflecting on the success of the Year of Return, then-President Akufo-Addo highlighted its impact in rekindling ties with the diaspora and fostering a global conversation about the role of African descendants in shaping the continent’s future.

“This initiative was not just about tourism; it was about creating a pathway for our brothers and sisters abroad to reconnect with their roots,” he said.

Deputy Minister for the Interior, Naana Eyiah, reaffirmed Ghana's steadfast commitment to supporting refugees within its borders.

At the 2024 World Refugees Day commemoration in Accra, highlighting the theme "Solidarity with Refugees," she emphasized the various initiatives Ghana has implemented to ensure refugees have access to essential services and opportunities.

Naana Eyiah outlined that Ghana has been proactive in providing free education, healthcare, and economic opportunities to refugees, facilitating their integration into society.

She noted that identity cards have been issued to refugees to help them integrate more seamlessly, and residence permits have been granted to former refugees, allowing them to live legally in Ghana.

Despite these efforts, the Deputy Minister expressed concern over the dwindling resources allocated for refugee assistance, especially in light of the ongoing emergency in the Upper East and Upper West Regions. She urged the private sector to bolster their support, highlighting the mutual benefits that come with the inclusion of refugees in society.

"The involvement of the private sector is crucial," she emphasized. "There are mutual benefits when refugees are supported and integrated into our communities."

Hon. Naana Eyiah also took the opportunity to commend refugees for their resilience and contributions to Ghanaian society. She extended her gratitude to the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) for their continuous support and called for sustained solidarity with refugees.

Andrew Ginsberg, the Head of Office of UNHCR Ghana, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of providing refugees with opportunities in their host communities. He advised refugees to actively contribute to the development of their host areas and praised Ghana for its robust response in assisting refugees whenever needed.

"Refugees need opportunities in the communities that host them," Ginsberg stated. "Their contributions can significantly enrich the social and economic fabric of these communities."

The event concluded with a rallying call for collective action, reaffirming Ghana's dedication to ensuring refugees live in safety and dignity.