Ghana and LCI to engage UNHCR to relocate ex-combatants

Accra, Oct 6, GNA-Ghana and La Cote d'Ivoire are to engage the Unite= d Nations High Commission on Refugees (UNHCR) to vigorously repatriate from Ghana, all Ivorian refugees identified to be ex-combatants, to a third country which does not have a common border with Cote d'Ivoire. The measure is to reinforce the security situation in both countries, and Ghana's President John Evans Atta Mills, has stated that Ghana would not encourage, tolerate nor support any dissident activity by Ivorian refugees from its territory.

The measures were part of a communiqu=E9 signed between the two sister nation at the end of a one day official visit of Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara to Ghana on Thursday.

The visit, the first by the Ivorian Leader after his inauguration last May was in furtherance to the shared commitment and the sustenance of good neighbourliness between the two nations.

The Ghanaians Leader, later in an interview with Journalists made it clear that the Government of Ghana was quite aware of a number of Ivorians in Ghana. Ghana, the President said, welcomed its neighbours, but would enforce its laws and ensure that all within the Ghanaian territory did not abuse th= e hospitality extended them and not allow anybody to use Ghana to stabilize the Ivorian Government. As part of the communiqu=E9, the Government of Ghana agreed to give due consideration to the request of President Ouatarra to implement the mandate to frees the account, and effect the warrant issued against those persons presumed to guilty of criminal actions committed during the Ivorian post electoral crisis.

"In such cases, when the Ivorian authorities draw our attention to it (to any dissident insurgent act), we'll consider it in accordance with th= e rules. The two nations agreed that their National Security Agencies would meet in Abidjan as soon as practicable to address issues of mutual interest with a view to enhancing the security and stability of the two countries. President Mills said Ghana Government was encouraging the Ivorian refugees to go back home. The two countries had earlier reviewed the situation of Ivorian refugee= s in Ghana and signed a Tripartite Agreement with the UNHCR for the voluntary repatriation of Ivorian refugees in Ghana. President Mills reiterated Ghana commitment to help its neighbour achieve lasting peace, and commended the Ivorian Leaders for putting up the Dialogue, Truth and Reconciliation Commission to facilitate the process of national dialogue and reconciliation and for the common good of the entire people of La Cote d'Ivoire.

During the visit, President Ouatarra paid glowing tribute to Ghana's first President and lead advocate for African Unity, Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah, and laid a wreath at the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum, that hosts his mortal remains. He also thanked President Mills and the Government of Ghana for their role in the Ivorian peace process after the electoral crisis. President Ouatarra has since left for home. 0