Following the implementation of the Cessation Clause for Ivorian refugees, those who believed they had stronger social and economic ties in Ghana than in their country of origin were given the opportunity to remain in Ghana under an alternative legal status. A brief ceremony to hand over the passports to the Ambassador of Côte d'Ivoire took place at the office of the Honourable Minister for the Interior.

Hon. Muntaka Mohammed- Mubarak, Minister for the Interior, has handed over indefinite residence permits to about 500 Ivorian refugees residing in Ghana. The ceremony, which was attended by the Ivorian Ambassador to Ghana, representatives from the UNHCR, Ghana Refugee Board, and the Ghana Immigration Service, marked a significant milestone in the lives of the refugees.

Hon. Muntaka, while handing over the permits, cautioned the refugees that the permit is revocable and emphasised the importance of adhering to the laws and regulations of Ghana. He noted that the issuance of the permits is a testament to Ghana’s commitment to providing a safe haven for refugees and asylum seekers.

The Ivorian Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Mr. Assiélou Félix Tanon, expressed his country’s gratitude to the government and people of Ghana for the warm hospitality and support extended to Ivorian refugees. He thanked the Minister for his unwavering commitment to seeing the realisation of these permits.

Representatives from the UNHCR, Ghana Refugee Board, and the Ghana Immigration Service also commended the Government for its efforts in providing a haven for refugees and asylum seekers.