Sampa (B/A), March 31, GNA - The Brong Ahafo Region has so far received a total of 1,055 refugees from neighbouring Ivory Coast, where people are fleeing from a bloody political stalemate. This was revealed to the media during a visit to Sampa and Atuna in Jaman North and Jaman South Districts by the Regional Security Council (REGSEC) to assess the situation.

The visit was led by Mr Kwadwo Nyamekye-Marfo, Regional Minister and Chairman of REGSEC.

At Sampa 197 of the refugees were recorded, 147 in Sunyani 145, Nkaseim in the Asutifi District 19, Atuna 189, Techiman 18, Dormaa-Ahenkro 54 and Kwameseikrom in the Dormaa Municipality 309 and Kofitiakrom, also in the Jaman South 24.

Hajia Amina Amadu, Jaman North District Chief Executive (DCE) assisted by border officials briefed the minister and the REGSEC members about the situation.

She disclosed that 297 refugees including 45 soldiers had arrived in the town.

Mr Nyamekye-Marfo who addressed the refugees asked them to be law-abiding and comport themselves.

He assured them that their safety and upkeep.

Meanwhile, the soldiers said they were escaping from the wrath of the opposition forces who had allegedly taken over Transua Region where they were located. The soldiers requested for assistance return to Abidjan, the country's border through Elubo.

The Regional Police Command subsequently released a bus to convey the soldiers.

At Atuna, Mr James Atta-Bediako, Jaman South DCE said the border officials had registered 189 refugees comprising civilians and 19 military personnel.

Border officials at Sampa and Atuna had set-up reception centres for registration and screening of the refugees who are being catered for.

Mr Nyamekye-Marfo directed the assemblies to sustain the distribution of food to the refugees until National Disaster Management Organisation NADMO, UNHCR stepped in.