Ghana to support Ivorian refugees to return home

Accra, Aug. 9, GNA - President John Evans Atta Mills on Tuesday assured Ivorian refugees in Ghana of his continued support of his Ivorian counterpart to bring peace in Ivory Coast and ensure their safe return home.. He said he was in touch, and talking with Ivorian President Allasane Ouatara, to provide an atmosphere that would guarantee their safe return without any fear of harassment.

"My greatest wish is to ensure that each one of you will return home and pursue your areas of livelihood," President Mills said on Tuesday at the Castle, Osu, when a six-member delegation of the executive of the Ivorian Diasporian Refugees in Ghana, paid a courtesy call on him. The delegation, led by its President, Benott Kamena Brown, appealed to President Mills to, among other things, facilitate their return home and guarantee their security in Ghana.

President Mills said as President, it was his duty to care for all within the borders of Ghana, including Ivorian refugees.

He expressed gratitude that it had been possible for the refugees to seek shelter in Ghana, but observed that despite Ghana and La Cote d'Ivoi= re being 93brothers," it was natural for the Ivorians to wish to go back ho= me. According to the President, Ghana was ready to support her western neighbour in rebuilding the nation after the war, and all the expertise including that of those seeking refuge in other countries were needed in th= e Ivorian reconstruction exercise.

President Mills commended the Ivorian refugees for being law abiding. Mr Brown expressed appreciation to the President, Government and the people of Ghana for the reception given the refugees and assured President Mills that they would continue to abide by the laws, traditions and customs of Ghana for peaceful co-existence.