A Deputy Minister of Information, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has discounted claims that Ivorian nationals are trooping into the country as a result of the feuding in that country.

Ever since the crisis erupted in Ghana¹ neigbouring Ivory Coast, there have been fears that nationals in the country are trooping into the country to escape the escalating tension and crises in the country.

Even though Sam Okudzetu concedes that Ivorian nationals are escaping the crisis into Ghana, he however adds that the number is not significant enough to create any panic situation.

He says the government is closely monitoring developments and will move in to act appropriately when the need arises.

³We have been monitoring our borders and we can confirm that indeed, the movement from Ivory Coast to Ghana has increased beyond the normal movement. We will not describe it as a very alarming situation where we will need to create a refugee camp to temporarily settle these people. For now we think it is just a slight increase².

Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa was speaking on the Big Bite show on Xfm 95.1.

He says many of the people coming into the country are Ghanaians who also have relations in Ghana.

He expressed his hope that the situation in Ivory Coast will be resolved in order not to have its rippling effect in Ghana.

³Most of the people coming in are Ghanaians who have relations here; there is no cause for alarm. It is our hope that the current Africa Union position to send a panel of five to mediate will help to solve the crisis and restore normalcy to our neighbours².

In a related development, Mr Okudzeto Ablakwa revealed that the government of Ghana through its mission in Egypt is constantly monitoring developments in Egypt, another country hit by anti-government protests.

He says presently, the situation is not alarming as the protestors are not targeting Ghanaians.

³We keep monitoring closely the occurrence in Egypt; and when we have to activate our evacuation strategy, we will do so. But now, our mission there is in touch with Ghanaians; telling them what to do and what not to do, etc. We are deeply concerned; we are going to provide them all the needed information to keep them safe so that they do not get caught up in this protests. But for now, our close monitoring indicates that they are not targeting Ghanaians.²

He therefore assures Ghanaians who have relations in Egypt to stay calm ³and be rest assured that government will not shirk its responsibility to their relations.²

Story by Abena Asiedua Tenkorang/ Xfm 95.1/ Accra/ Ghana