Government concerned about recent developments in Cote d�Ivoire

The Government on Tuesday expressed concern over recent developments in neighbouring Cote d�Ivoire, namely multiple attacks on Police Stations and Gendarmerie barracks in Abidjan and Noe on the Ivorian side of the Elubo border, reportedly by armed assailants. The developments resulted in the closure last Friday, 21st September, 2012 of that country's land, air and sea borders with Ghana. A statement by the the Foreign Ministry in Accra copied the Ghana News Agency said, "We are however happy to note that after observing cross border movements between the two countries, President Alassane Quattara has ordered the re-opening of the air border". " The Government of Ghana fully acknowledges the challenges that these reported incidents pose to the peace and security not only to Cote d�Ivoire but Ghana as well. "Given our shared commitment to peace and security consistently started by the Presidents of our two countries, Ghana is particularly concerned by the repeated claims that the incursions are being initiated from Ghana. The statement added the Government of Ghana remained determined and resolute the two countries jointly investigate the occurrences to their mutual benefit in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding that existed between the security services of the two countries and in consonance with the shared responsibility to safeguard peace. " We wish to repeat re-assurances given to the Government and people of Cote d�Ivoire in particular, and the international community that Ghana will continue to abide by international law. "We wish to emphasise that Ghana will not allow the hospitality we offer to refugees from Cote d�Ivoire to be construed as providing an opportunity for planning and executing any action to undermine the sovereignty, pace and reconciliation efforts being undertaken by the Ivorian Government under the committed leadership of President Alassane Quattara." The statement said, "Government of Ghana wishes to restate its insistence that refugees and asylum seekers strictly adhere to, and respect the laws of Ghana as well as international regulations and conventions, especially the Tripartite Agreement between Cote d�Ivoire, Ghana and UNHCR. " The Government of Ghana wishes to re-affirm the sustained disposition of our security agencies to collaborate and cooperate fully with their Ivorian counterparts and to intensify cooperation through dialogue and effective sharing of information conducive to the enforcement of domestic and international laws."