Western Regional Minister Urges Vigilance Amid Influx of Ivorians at Elubo Border
Ivorian Refugees Flee Election Tensions: Ghana’s Elubo Border on High Alert
ELUBO, Ghana — Western Regional Minister Joseph Nelson has called on security personnel stationed at the Elubo border to heighten surveillance amid an influx of Ivorians fleeing election-related tensions ahead of Côte d’Ivoire’s general elections on October 25, 2025.
More than 1,500 Ivorians have reportedly crossed into Ghana seeking refuge from the unrest, prompting increased security measures along the Ghana–Ivory Coast border. During a working visit to the area, Mr. Nelson urged officers to remain alert and ensure that criminal elements do not exploit the situation to infiltrate the country. “The situation is still very fluid, so let’s keep our eyes on the inflows to prevent any surprises,” Mr. Nelson cautioned. “As the elections approach, we expect more people to cross the border. Be prepared to receive them, but also remain vigilant so that no criminals slip through to pose a challenge to our national security.”
Deputy Commissioner of Immigration at the Elubo Command, DCI Joshua Krakue, expressed concern over the difficulty in distinguishing between regular travellers and those seeking asylum.
“Rationally, people are taking precautions by leaving the country to find safe havens and may return after the elections if everything stabilizes,” DCI Krakue said. “However, when they arrive, they don’t present themselves as asylum seekers. They come as regular travelers but later proceed to refugee camps to seek asylum.” He added that while border authorities have observed an increase in arrivals, there has been no instance of mass crossings or visible signs of panic. “We’ve noticed the numbers rising, but there hasn’t been a situation where people are carrying their bags and rushing across the border,” Krakue said.
The Ghana Immigration Service continues to monitor developments closely in coordination with national security agencies as tensions heighten in Côte d’Ivoire ahead of the polls.
Meanwhile in Ivory Coast, the Félix Houphouët-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan was abuzz with the colors of the ruling Rally of Houphouëtists for Democracy and Peace (RHDP) on Saturday.
Thousands of young people from municipalities across the district and several regions of Ivory Coast responded to its call to come together to reaffirm their support for candidate President Alassane Ouattara. The 83-year-old is running for a fourth term in the presidential election due to take place on 25 October.
Read Also
